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 has become my holiday favorite as it brings family and friends together over a festive and 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.
Save This recipe brings joy to our family mornings, creating warm memories each holiday season.
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 sweet roll centerpiece is sure to impress and delight your guests with its festive look and delicious taste.
Recipe Help
- → What makes the dough soft and pillowy?
Using warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and an adequate rise time helps create a tender, fluffy dough texture.
- → Can I prepare the filling with variations?
Yes, adding orange zest, nuts, or dried cranberries enhances flavor and texture variations for a festive twist.
- → How is the snowflake shape formed without cutting through the center?
The dough circles are stacked and cut into strips radiating from the center, which remains intact to hold the shape when strips are twisted and pinched together.
- → What is the purpose of the icing?
The vanilla icing adds sweetness and moisture, complementing the cinnamon filling and golden crust for a balanced finish.
- → How can I ensure even baking of the rolls?
Baking at 350°F until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes, ensures the rolls cook through evenly without drying out.