Save to Pinterest 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 a family favorite during the holidays and always impresses guests with its festive appearance 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 to Pinterest Sharing this sweet roll with family during holiday breakfasts has become a cherished tradition filled with joy and warmth.
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 to Pinterest 
This centerpiece sweet roll recipe will bring festive cheer and delicious warmth to any holiday gathering.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve the perfect dough texture?
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes, ensuring proper gluten development for a soft, airy texture.
- → Can I add variations to the filling?
Yes, adding orange zest, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the cinnamon and brown sugar filling enhances flavor and texture.
- → What’s the best way to shape the rolls into a snowflake?
After layering and stacking the dough circles with filling, cut into strips from the center and twist adjacent pairs away from each other twice before pinching ends together.
- → How long should the rolls rise before baking?
Allow the shaped rolls to rise loosely covered for 30–40 minutes until visibly puffy to ensure a tender crumb.
- → What temperature and time are ideal for baking?
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.