Save to Pinterest 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 holiday treat because it combines both visual appeal and delicious flavor in one pull-apart loaf.
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 to Pinterest Baking this bread always brings my family together to enjoy a sweet holiday tradition.
Decorating Ideas
For extra holiday flair, decorate with candied cherries or sprinkles after icing to add color and sparkle.
Storage Tips
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate to complement the rich cinnamon flavor perfectly.
Save to Pinterest This cinnamon tree bread is a festive treat that delights both the eyes and the taste buds.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the distinct cinnamon swirls?
Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture before tightly rolling into a log.
- → What is the best way to shape the bread into a Christmas tree?
After slicing the rolled log lengthwise, twist the two halves together exposing the swirls, then arrange the twisted dough on a baking sheet to form a tree shape, tucking the ends underneath.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated after the first rise, then shaped and baked the next day for convenience and flavor development.
- → What type of glaze works best for finishing?
An egg wash before baking ensures a golden crust, while a simple icing of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla can be drizzled after cooling for added sweetness.
- → How should I store leftovers to maintain freshness?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze slices wrapped tightly to retain moisture.