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 became a family favorite at our holiday gatherings because it looks impressive but tastes amazing and is fun to share.
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 Our family loves gathering around this centerpiece on chilly mornings, sharing stories as we pull apart each delicious roll.
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
Save This sweet roll centerpiece adds a festive and delicious touch to holiday mornings with minimal stress.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I shape the snowflake rolls?
After layering the dough circles with filling, a round cutter is placed in the center, then the dough is cut into strips around it. Each pair of strips is twisted twice and pinched at the ends to form the snowflake shape.
- → Can I add flavors to the filling?
Yes, try adding orange zest, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for a festive twist and varied texture in the filling.
- → What is the best way to ensure soft, fluffy rolls?
Allow the dough to rise until doubled, and handle it gently during shaping. Proper kneading develops gluten, contributing to a tender, pillowy texture.
- → How should I store the sweet rolls after baking?
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer keeping.
- → Is it necessary to let the rolls rise before baking?
Yes, letting the shaped dough rise for 30–40 minutes ensures a light, fluffy final texture once baked.