Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Snowflake (Printable)

Soft cinnamon-swirled dough shaped like a snowflake, baked golden and topped with sweet vanilla icing.

# Components:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1 large egg, room temperature

→ Filling

08 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
09 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Icing

11 - 1 cup powdered sugar
12 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
13 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# Method:

01 - Combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl; let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
02 - Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
04 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
05 - Punch down dough and divide into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch circle.
06 - Place one dough circle onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread half of the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
07 - Top with second dough circle, spread remaining softened butter and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar. Place the third dough circle on top.
08 - Place a small glass in the center of the stacked dough. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 equal strips, radiating outward from the glass without cutting through it.
09 - Pair two adjacent strips, twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to form a point. Repeat with all pairs to create the snowflake pattern.
10 - Remove the glass. Cover the snowflake with a towel and let rise for 15 minutes.
11 - Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
12 - Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form icing. Drizzle over the warm snowflake and serve pull-apart style.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it's actually quite forgiving and medium-difficulty.
  • The soft, pillowy texture and generous cinnamon swirls feel indulgent but taste homemade, not store-bought.
  • It's designed for sharing, so you can pull apart pieces at the table and everyone gets their own warm, oozy bite.
02 -
  • The glass in the center is not just for show; it keeps the middle from puffing up unevenly and makes it easier to pull pieces apart later.
  • Don't skip the 15-minute second rise after shaping; rushed dough bakes up dense and heavy, while properly risen dough becomes light and pillowy.
  • Vanilla icing sets quickly on a warm pastry, so drizzle it while the snowflake is still hot for the best texture and flavor absorption.
03 -
  • Invest 2 minutes to proof your yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough; it's the single best way to guarantee your rolls rise perfectly every time.
  • Cut the strips with a very sharp knife and one confident motion per cut, not a sawing motion, so the layers stay intact and don't tear.
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