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.
This bread is a family favorite during the holidays and always brings a festive touch to our brunch table.
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 Serving this bread warm with coffee or hot chocolate has become a cherished family tradition during the holidays.
Additional Tips
Decorate with candied cherries or sprinkles after icing for extra holiday flair.
Storage
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling for added texture and flavor.
Save This bread is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful design and delicious flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of flour is best for this bread?
All-purpose flour is recommended for a tender crumb, but you can substitute up to half with whole wheat for added nutty flavor.
- → How should the cinnamon swirl filling be prepared?
Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then spread softened butter over rolled dough before sprinkling the mixture evenly.
- → What is the purpose of the egg wash?
The egg wash creates a golden, shiny crust on the baked bread, enhancing both appearance and texture.
- → Can this bread be decorated after baking?
Yes, icing drizzle and festive toppings like candied cherries or sprinkles add extra holiday flair.
- → How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour initially, then 30 minutes after shaping.