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 a holiday favorite in my family because it combines eye-catching presentation with delicious sweet rolls everyone loves.
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 We love enjoying this centerpiece together with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa as part of our cozy holiday traditions.
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
Per serving (based on 10 servings): 390 calories, 15 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein
Save This giant snowflake sweet roll centerpiece is sure to impress and delight your guests with its unique shape and delicious flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of flour works best for this dough?
All-purpose flour is recommended for a soft yet sturdy dough that rises well and holds the snowflake shape.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and allow the dough to rise in the refrigerator overnight to develop flavor and convenience.
- → How do I achieve the snowflake shape?
Cut the layered dough into strips radiating from the center, twist adjacent strips twice away from each other, and pinch the ends together to form the snowflake.
- → What filling variations can I try?
Adding orange zest, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the cinnamon-butter filling adds a festive twist and extra texture.
- → How should the rolls be stored after baking?
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.