Save to Pins 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.
This bread quickly became my family's favorite holiday treat after I first baked it last Christmas.
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
- Mix Ingredients:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl) combine flour sugar yeast and salt.
- Add Liquids:
- Add warm milk melted butter and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough:
- Knead (by hand or with dough hook) for 6 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place dough in a greased bowl cover and let rise until doubled in size about 1 hour.
- Prepare Swirl:
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll and Spread:
- Punch down dough then roll out on a lightly floured surface to a 16x12-inch (40x30 cm) rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Shape Dough:
- Starting from one long side roll up tightly into a log. With a sharp knife cut the log in half lengthwise. Twist the two halves together exposing the swirl. 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.
- Second Rise:
- Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Apply Egg Wash:
- Whisk egg and milk for egg wash brush over the bread.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 28 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Ice:
- Cool slightly. For icing whisk powdered sugar milk and vanilla. Drizzle over warm bread before serving.
Save to Pins This recipe always brings the family together around the table during the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy holiday treat.
Variations
Try adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Save to Pins This festive bread is the perfect centerpiece to brighten your holiday table.