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 because it combines delicious cinnamon-sugar filling with a festive presentation.
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 Sharing this centerpiece with my family every holiday adds a warm, joyful tradition to our celebrations.
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 snowflake sweet roll centerpiece will brighten any table and delight guests with its festive look and delicious taste.
Your Questions Answered
- → What makes the rolls soft and fluffy?
The combination of warm milk, active dry yeast, and sufficient rise time creates a light, pillowy dough that's soft after baking.
- → How is the snowflake shape formed?
The dough is divided into layers, stacked with filling, then cut into strips from the center and twisted in pairs to create a snowflake pattern.
- → Can I add flavors to the filling?
Yes, orange zest, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries can be incorporated into the cinnamon-brown sugar filling for extra flavor and texture.
- → What is the best way to serve these rolls?
Serve warm with the vanilla icing drizzled on top, perfect alongside hot cocoa or spiced tea for a festive treat.
- → How long should the dough rise?
The dough needs about 1 hour for the first rise until doubled, then 30-40 minutes after shaping until puffy before baking.