Save A festive, pull-apart sweet bread shaped like a Christmas tree, featuring soft, buttery layers with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl. Perfect for a holiday brunch centerpiece.
I remember baking this for my family and watching their faces light up with every pull of the sweet bread's layers.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet/7 g) instant yeast, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk warm (about 110°F/43°C), 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter melted, 2 large eggs at room temperature
- Cinnamon Swirl Filling: 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar packed, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter softened
- Egg Wash: 1 egg, 1 tbsp milk
- Icing (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl), combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Step 2:
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Knead (by hand or with dough hook) for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Step 5:
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Step 6:
- Punch down dough, then roll out on a lightly floured surface to a 16x12-inch (40x30 cm) rectangle.
- Step 7:
- Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Step 8:
- Starting from one long side, roll up tightly into a log.
- Step 9:
- With a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise. Twist the two halves together, exposing the swirl.
- Step 10:
- Shape the twisted dough into a Christmas tree on a parchment-lined baking sheet: start with a wide base, narrowing to a point. Tuck the ends underneath.
- Step 11:
- Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 12:
- Whisk egg and milk for egg wash brush over the bread.
- Step 13:
- Bake for 25–28 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 14:
- Cool slightly. For icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm bread before serving.
Save Sharing this bread during the holidays has become a cherished family tradition, bringing us all closer with every slice.
Required Tools
Stand mixer or mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, sharp knife
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 6 g per serving
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful holiday treat.
Save This bread is a perfect combination of festive appearance and comforting flavors sure to impress your guests.
Common Questions
- → What type of flour works best?
All-purpose flour provides the ideal structure and texture for soft, tender layers.
- → How do I achieve the swirl effect?
Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the cinnamon-sugar butter, roll tightly, then cut lengthwise and twist the two halves to expose the swirl pattern.
- → Can I use a different shape?
Yes, while the Christmas tree shape is festive, the twisted swirl technique works well in braids or wreaths too.
- → Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, the first rise develops flavor and texture, while the second rise after shaping ensures a light, airy bread.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.