Save A stunning, pull-apart centerpiece featuring soft, pillowy sweet rolls shaped into a beautiful snowflake, perfect for holiday breakfasts or festive gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my family for its festive look and delicious flavor.
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.
Save Enjoyed often with hot cocoa or spiced tea, this centerpiece creates cherished family moments during holiday gatherings.
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)
Save This Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll brings festive joy and delightful flavors to your holiday table.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of flour is best for these sweet rolls?
All-purpose flour is ideal, providing the right gluten balance for a soft yet structured dough.
- → How does the twisting method affect the bread?
Twisting adjacent strips creates the distinctive snowflake shape and layers, contributing to a pull-apart texture.
- → Can I add extra flavors to the filling?
Yes, adding orange zest, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries enhances flavor and festive appeal.
- → What is the best way to ensure the dough rises properly?
Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free spot covered with a towel until it doubles in size for optimal rise.
- → How should the icing be applied?
Drizzle the vanilla and powdered sugar icing over warm rolls to allow it to melt slightly, adding sweetness and moisture.