A stunning and delicious dessert that resembles a snowflake, made with cinnamon rolls that pull apart easily.
Author:Emma Rossi
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:Serves 8-10 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Prepare Dough: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead Dough: Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape Dough Circles: Punch down dough and divide into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch diameter circle.
Layer Filling: Place one dough circle on the prepared baking sheet. Spread half of the softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly.
Assemble Layers: Add the second dough circle on top. Spread the remaining butter and cinnamon sugar. Place the third dough circle on top without filling.
Cut Dough: Place a small glass in the center of the stacked dough. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 equal strips radiating outward from the glass, taking care not to cut through the center.
Form Snowflake: Twist two adjacent strips away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to form a point. Repeat with all pairs to create the snowflake shape.
Second Rise: Remove the glass. Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let rise for 15 minutes.
Bake: Bake for 22–25 minutes until the snowflake is golden brown.
Add Icing: Cool for 10 minutes. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth, then drizzle over the warm pull-apart.
Notes
For best results, ensure the milk is at the right temperature when activating the yeast.
Make sure to knead the dough well to develop gluten for better structure.
This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.