Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Snowflake (Printable Version)

Soft, pillowy cinnamon dough swirled with cinnamon sugar, baked golden and drizzled with vanilla icing for festive mornings.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 3/4 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F)
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1 large egg, room temperature

→ Filling

08 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
09 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Icing

11 - 1 cup powdered sugar
12 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
13 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Allow mixture to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
02 - Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour until a soft dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
04 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
05 - Punch down the risen dough and divide into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch diameter circle.
06 - Place one dough circle on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly spread half the softened butter over it, then sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat layering with the second circle and remaining filling, topping with the third dough circle.
07 - Position a small glass in the center without cutting through. Cut dough into 16 equal strips radiating outward. Twist pairs of adjacent strips twice away from each other, then pinch ends together to form points, creating the snowflake shape.
08 - Remove the glass. Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let rise for 15 minutes.
09 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
10 - Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then drizzle icing over the warm pastry. Serve by pulling apart individual pieces.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everyone pulls apart their own piece so there is something wonderfully communal about watching people gather around
  • The dough stays incredibly soft because it bakes as a single connected shape instead of individual rolls
  • Looks absolutely stunning but the technique is surprisingly forgiving even for beginners
02 -
  • The center glass trick is absolute genius because it prevents you from accidentally cutting through the middle which would ruin the shape
  • Twisting the strips in opposite directions creates that gorgeous layered look that makes people think you spent hours on this
03 -
  • If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in the oven with just the light on for consistent warmth
  • Use a very sharp knife and clean it between cuts if the dough starts sticking to get clean edges
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