# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
→ Cinnamon Swirl Filling
08 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
09 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
→ Egg Wash
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 tablespoon milk
→ Icing (optional)
13 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1–2 tablespoons milk
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, blend flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and sea salt evenly.
02 - Add warmed whole milk, melted butter, and eggs to the dry mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
03 - Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
04 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
05 - Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly in a small bowl.
06 - Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 16 by 12-inch rectangle.
07 - Evenly spread softened butter over the rolled dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
08 - Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
09 - Slice the log in half lengthwise with a sharp knife, then twist the two halves together to reveal the cinnamon swirl pattern.
10 - Arrange the twisted log on a parchment-lined baking sheet into a Christmas tree shape by starting with a wide base and tapering to a point. Tuck the ends underneath.
11 - Cover loosely and allow the shaped dough to rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
12 - Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush the mixture evenly over the dough surface.
13 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and is cooked through.
14 - Once slightly cooled, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together and drizzle over the warm bread.
