Pin 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 always brings the family together during the holidays with its delightful aroma and delicious taste.
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 
Gathering around this bread with family, sharing stories and laughter, makes holiday mornings truly special.
Required Tools
Stand mixer or mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat gluten, eggs, and dairy milk butter. For allergy concerns, verify all ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories 310, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 6 g per serving.
Pin Enjoy this festive bread warm for the best flavor experience every holiday season.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I shape the dough into a Christmas tree?
After swirling and twisting the dough, arrange the twisted strands on parchment paper starting with a wide base and tapering upwards to form a tree shape. Tuck the ends underneath to secure the form.
- → Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape it, then refrigerate covered overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before baking for best texture.
- → What alternatives can I use for whole milk?
Whole milk provides richness, but you may substitute with 2% milk or a nondairy alternative like oat milk for a similar texture and moisture.
- → Is it possible to substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat?
You can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and texture, but expect a denser crumb.
- → How should I store leftover bread?
Keep it wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze sliced portions in airtight bags and thaw before serving.