Pin This A stunning, pull-apart centerpiece featuring soft, pillowy sweet rolls shaped into a beautiful snowflake, perfect for holiday breakfasts or festive gatherings.
This recipe has become my go-to for festive mornings when I want a show-stopping yet delicious centerpiece.
Ingredients
- Dough: 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp / 7 g) active dry yeast, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk warm (about 110°F/43°C), 1/3 cup (70 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter melted, 2 large eggs room temperature, 1 tsp salt
- Filling: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar packed, 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Icing: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl or stand mixer combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
- Step 3:
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4:
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl for the filling.
- Step 6:
- Punch down dough, turn onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 4 equal pieces.
- Step 7:
- Roll each piece into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle. Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread with 1/3 of the filling. Repeat layers, ending with the final dough circle on top.
- Step 8:
- Place a 3-inch (7.5 cm) round cutter or glass in the center (do not cut through). Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 equal strips radiating from the center (like sun rays) leaving the center intact.
- Step 9:
- Take two adjacent strips, twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together. Repeat with all pairs to form the snowflake shape.
- Step 10:
- Cover loosely and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 11:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 12:
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for icing. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Pin This Serve with hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat that brings everyone together.
Required Tools
Stand mixer or large mixing bowl, rolling pin, sharp knife, baking sheet, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, and butter (dairy). Always check labels to ensure ingredients are safe for your dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Calories 390 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 58 g Protein 7 g per serving based on 10 servings
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This snowflake sweet roll brings holiday cheer and delicious flavor to your table every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of flour is best for this bread?
All-purpose flour works well, providing the right balance of gluten for a soft yet sturdy dough.
- → How do I achieve the perfect twisted snowflake shape?
After layering the dough and filling, cut into strips radiating from the center, twist pairs twice away from each other, then pinch ends together to form each point.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise; allow it to warm slightly before shaping and rising again.
- → What filling variations can enhance the flavor?
Adding orange zest, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the brown sugar and cinnamon filling adds extra depth and festive touch.
- → How long should the rolls cool before icing?
Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes to prevent the icing from melting too much upon contact.
- → Is there an alternative to powdered sugar icing?
A simple glaze of honey or maple syrup can be brushed on warm rolls for a different sweet finish.