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 is always the star at our holiday brunches, bringing family and friends together with its irresistible aroma and festive shape
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 68 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 2528 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 This recipe always fills our home with warmth and festive cheer as we gather around the table to enjoy the pull-apart bread
Required Tools
Stand mixer or mixing bowl Rolling pin Baking sheet Parchment paper Pastry brush Sharp knife
Nutritional Information
Per serving Calories 310 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 48 g Protein 6 g
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) eggs and dairy (milk butter) For allergy concerns verify all ingredient labels
Pin it 
This bread is a festive treat that delights both in taste and appearance perfect for sharing with loved ones
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the perfect swirl in the bread?
Roll out the dough evenly and spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture uniformly, leaving a small border. Roll tightly and twist gently once cut to reveal distinct, even swirls.
- → Can I substitute whole wheat flour in this bread?
Yes, you can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor, keeping the texture tender.
- → What is the best way to shape the dough into a Christmas tree?
After twisting the dough, shape it on parchment paper by arranging the base wide and tapering towards a point, tucking ends underneath to maintain form during baking.
- → How long should I let the dough rise before baking?
Allow the dough to rise until doubled initially (about 1 hour), then shape and let it rise again for 30 minutes before baking for optimal lightness.
- → Is the glaze necessary for this bread?
The vanilla glaze adds a sweet finish and shine, but the bread is delicious on its own if you prefer to skip it.