Pin A stunning, pull-apart centerpiece featuring soft, pillowy sweet rolls shaped into a beautiful snowflake, perfect for holiday breakfasts or festive gatherings.
I have made this snowflake sweet roll several times during the holiday season and it always impresses guests and family alike.
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.
Pin Serving this centerpiece with my family during the holidays has become our favorite tradition.
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.
Pin This sweet roll centerpiece is perfect to impress guests and bring festive cheer in just a few hours.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve a soft, fluffy texture?
Knead the dough well until smooth and elastic, and allow it to rise until doubled in size for optimal softness.
- → Can I add flavors to the filling?
Yes, adding orange zest, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries enhances flavor and adds festive variety.
- → What is the best way to form the snowflake shape?
After layering dough and filling, cut radial strips leaving center intact, then twist each pair away from one another and pinch ends together.
- → How long should the rolls rise before baking?
Let the rolls rise loosely covered for 30–40 minutes until puffy before baking.
- → What temperature and time are ideal for baking?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown for perfect doneness.