Pin this A stunning, pull-apart centerpiece featuring soft, pillowy sweet rolls shaped into a beautiful snowflake, perfect for holiday breakfasts or festive gatherings.
This sweet roll centerpiece has become my go-to for holiday mornings, always impressing guests and family with its beautiful shape and delicious flavor.
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 this We share this centerpiece every holiday morning, gathering around the table with hot cocoa and smiles as the rolls disappear quickly.
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): Calories 390, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 58 g, Protein 7 g
Pin this This snowflake sweet roll centerpiece is sure to brighten any holiday breakfast with its charming appearance and delightful taste.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape the snowflake rolls?
After layering four dough circles with spiced filling, place a small round cutter in the center. Cut the dough into 16 equal strips without cutting through the center. Twist each pair of adjacent strips twice away from each other, then pinch the ends together to form the snowflake shape.
- → What type of flour is best for these rolls?
All-purpose flour works well, providing enough gluten structure for a tender yet stable dough ideal for shaping and rising.
- → Can the filling be customized?
Yes, adding orange zest, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture adds festive flavors and texture.
- → How long should the dough rise before baking?
The dough should first rise for about one hour until doubled, then after shaping, allow a second rise of 30–40 minutes before baking.
- → What is the best way to apply the icing?
Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle evenly over warm rolls to create a glossy, sweet finish.