# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
→ Cinnamon Swirl Filling
08 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
09 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
→ Egg Wash
11 - 1 egg
12 - 1 tablespoon milk
→ Icing (optional)
13 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How-To:
01 - In the bowl of a stand mixer or large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until evenly blended.
02 - Add warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs to the dry mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
03 - Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
05 - Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until fully mixed.
06 - Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle.
07 - Spread softened butter evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border; sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
08 - Roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log; cut the log lengthwise into two halves.
09 - Twist the two halves together, exposing the cinnamon swirl pattern on the surface.
10 - Shape the twisted dough into a Christmas tree on a parchment-lined baking sheet, tucking ends underneath.
11 - Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
12 - Whisk egg and milk together, then brush the mixture evenly over the dough surface.
13 - Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
14 - Allow bread to cool slightly; prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over warm bread if desired.
