We’re thrilled about our Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Snowflake that turns breakfast into a festive celebration. It’s a fun twist on a classic roll with sweet cinnamon layers in a dazzling shape
We love how simple it is to create and how impressive it looks on the table. Each fluffy section peels away like a gift revealing a swirl of warm spice. This sweet treat is perfect for holiday mornings or cozy weekends
Equipment And Tools
We gather a few essential tools to shape our Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Snowflake and ensure each layer bakes evenly and looks festive. We prefer precise measurements to maintain consistency in taste and appearance.
- Mixing bowl for combining flour and liquids
- Rolling pin for flattening each dough circle evenly
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
- Kitchen scale for precise dough measurements
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter for creating the snowflake cuts
- Pastry brush for spreading melted butter and cinnamon filling
We keep these items on hand throughout the process. Each tool helps us maintain the distinctive shape and balance of sweet layers in our delightful pull apart treat.
Ingredients
We rely on staple items to create the sweet and tender dough in this Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Snowflake. Let us gather them below.
For The Dough
| Ingredient | Measure |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Active dry yeast | 1 packet |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Warm milk | 1/2 cup |
| Melted unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Warm water | 1/4 cup |
For The Cinnamon Filling
| Ingredient | Measure |
|---|---|
| Softened unsalted butter | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
Prepare The Dough
This is where we transform our basic ingredients into a smooth and elastic dough. We gently handle each step to ensure our dough becomes light and tender.
Proof The Yeast
- Combine warm milk and warm water in a small bowl
- Add active dry yeast and a teaspoon of granulated sugar
- Stir gently and let it sit until the yeast becomes foamy
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Proofing Yeast | 5 minutes |
Knead And Rise
- In a large mixing bowl add all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and salt
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture
- Add the melted unsalted butter and a beaten egg
- Knead by hand or in a stand mixer until the dough becomes smooth
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl
- Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel
- Let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Kneading Dough | 8 minutes to 10 minutes |
| Rising Dough | 60 minutes to 90 minutes |
Shape The Snowflake
Now that our dough is smooth and ready we shape it into a pull-apart snowflake. We create layers of sweet cinnamon filling for a festive treat.
Roll Out And Layer
- Lightly flour our work surface
- Punch down the dough to release air
- Roll the dough into a 12 inch circle
- Spread softened butter over the surface
- Sprinkle brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly
- If we have multiple layers repeat the same rolling and filling process
- Stack each circle together to form one cohesive round with sweet filling between layers
Cut And Twist
- Place a small glass in the center of the stacked dough
- Cut 16 radial slices around the glass
- Remove the glass and twist each pair of slices outward two times
- Pinch the tips together to form eight points
- Brush any exposed dough with melted butter for a golden finish
| Number of Slices | Twist Each Pair | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 2 twists | 8 |
Bake And Cool
We slide our Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Snowflake into the hot oven. We watch as the layers rise and fill our kitchen with warm cinnamon aroma.
Baking Time And Tips
- We preheat our oven to 350°F
- We position the snowflake on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the center of the oven
- We standardize our baking time based on the chart below
| Temperature | Approximate Bake Time |
|---|---|
| 350°F | 20 to 25 minutes |
- We watch for a golden brown color
- We avoid overbrowning by covering the top with foil if needed
- We cool the bread on a wire rack so the layers set without getting soggy
Optional Glaze
- Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- Stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for added flavor
- Drizzle over the snowflake while it is still slightly warm to allow the glaze to set without dripping too much
Serving Suggestions
We serve our Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Snowflake fresh out of the oven so the sweet layers stay warm and tender. We place it at the center of the table to highlight its beautiful design. We set out small bowls of melted butter or extra frosting for dipping. We also keep a dish of fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.
We recommend a variety of options for plating:
- Set each piece on a small dessert plate and drizzle it with honey, vanilla icing, or salted caramel.
- Offer a savory side like scrambled eggs or crisp bacon to create a balanced brunch spread.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a snow-kissed look that complements the snowflake shape.
We often pair this treat with a warm beverage. We enjoy the following combinations:
| Beverage | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Spiced Latte | Enhances the cinnamon notes |
| Hot Chocolate | Adds a creamy sweetness |
| Ginger Tea | Provides a mild spiciness |
| Vanilla Chai | Balances sweetness with spice |
Sharing this pull-apart snowflake encourages a relaxed, communal vibe. We invite friends or family to tear off a section and enjoy the cinnamon-swirled layers with a favorite hot drink.
Conclusion
We love how this showstopping bake adds rustic charm to our morning spread. It’s a mouthwatering centerpiece that’s sure to impress hungry guests and family members alike. With its inviting shape and warm spice notes we find that it’s perfect for cozy winter mornings or holiday gatherings. We invite you to give it a try and experience the festive comfort this cinnamon-infused treat brings to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Snowflake?
This festive treat is a shaped cinnamon roll dough arranged like a snowflake, designed for easy peeling and sharing. It’s made by layering sweet cinnamon filling between circles of dough, cutting them into slices, and twisting the pieces outward to create star-like points. Once baked, the result is a warm, pull-apart delight perfect for holiday mornings or cozy weekends. The visual appeal of the snowflake shape adds extra charm to an already delicious pastry, making it a fun and inviting centerpiece for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
What tools do I need to make it?
You’ll need a mixing bowl, rolling pin, measuring cups and spoons, a kitchen scale, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a sharp knife or pizza cutter, and a pastry brush. The mixing bowl helps combine dough ingredients, while the rolling pin ensures an even thickness. A sharp cutting tool is key for creating precise slices. The pastry brush applies butter or other toppings for a golden finish. Having these tools ready makes shaping and baking smoother, ensuring your snowflake looks and tastes amazing.
Which ingredients are essential?
For the dough, gather all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, salt, warm milk, melted unsalted butter, an egg, and warm water. The cinnamon filling requires softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. These basic ingredients work together to create a sweet, tender dough with a warm, fragrant filling. Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. The combination of melted butter and sugar in the filling adds a decadent flavor, contributing to the signature taste of a traditional cinnamon roll with a festive twist.
How do I prepare the dough?
First, activate the yeast by mixing warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Once it becomes foamy, combine it with flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and a beaten egg. Knead until you get a smooth, elastic dough. Shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 60 to 90 minutes, until it doubles in size. This step ensures a soft, airy texture primary to any successful cinnamon roll recipe.
How do I shape it into a snowflake?
After the dough has risen, roll it into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Spread softened butter and sprinkle brown sugar mixed with cinnamon evenly on top. If layering, repeat with more circles. Place a small glass in the center, cut 16 radial slices around it, and twist each pair of slices outward to form eight points. This twisting action reveals the cinnamon filling while creating the snowflake design. Remove the glass, brush any exposed dough with melted butter, and your pull-apart snowflake is ready to bake.
What’s the recommended baking time and temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the dough for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden brown color, as it indicates the rolls are well-baked. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking. Once done, place the snowflake on a wire rack to prevent overcooking and sogginess underneath. This step helps maintain a fluffy, tender texture, perfect for pulling apart and enjoying right away.
Can I add a glaze or icing?
Absolutely. You can quickly whip up a simple glaze with powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle or brush it over the warm snowflake for an extra sweet touch. If you prefer less sweetness, drizzle lightly or serve it on the side. This optional layer adds a sticky, glossy finish that pairs well with the fragrant cinnamon layers. Whether you opt for a thin drizzle or a thicker spread, the glaze enhances both flavor and visual appeal, making your snowflake even more irresistible.
How should I serve it?
Serve your Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Snowflake warm to enjoy its tender texture and fragrant layers. Place it at the center of the table so everyone can tear off pieces easily. Accompany it with small bowls of melted butter, extra icing, or fresh fruit for dipping or garnishing. You can also pair it with savory breakfast sides like scrambled eggs or crispy bacon. For a final festive touch, dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey. This communal setup encourages shared moments and creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.