Pin It 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 has become my go-to for holiday brunches because it's both beautiful and delicious, impressing family and friends alike.
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.
Pin It Baking this bread every holiday brings the family together around the kitchen to share stories and laughter, making the season even more special.
Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate and add candied cherries or sprinkles for extra festive flair.
Pin It This bread is the perfect holiday centerpiece, guaranteed to delight your guests with its beautiful shape and delicious flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve the perfect cinnamon swirl?
Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled dough, then sprinkle a cinnamon-brown sugar mixture before rolling tightly to create distinct swirls.
- → What is the best way to shape the tree?
After cutting the log in half lengthwise, twist the halves together and arrange into a tree shape by tapering one end to a point and tucking the ends underneath.
- → Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes. After shaping and allowing it to rise, you can refrigerate overnight. Remove it to warm up before baking the next day.
- → What does the egg wash do?
Brushing the bread with egg wash before baking gives it a shiny, golden crust that's both appealing and appetizing.
- → Are there variations to the cinnamon filling?
You can add chopped nuts or substitute part of the cinnamon with other warm spices like nutmeg for a personalized flavor twist.