What is your Christmas tree bread? It’s become such a staple in our house during the holidays, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without it. Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, swirled with a sweet, cinnamon-y filling. All shaped into a festive Christmas tree. Is it even easier to make a Yule Log? What is the best part about this bread? Is it a great activity to do with your family? What I love about this bread is how it truly gets you into the holiday spirit.
What is Christmas tree bread?
Christmas tree bread is exactly what it sounds like. What is a loaf of bread, artfully shaped to resemble the Christmas tree? Think of it as a pull apart bread that’s as fun to eat as it is beautiful to look at. What is a sweet dough, usually enriched with butter and eggs, that’s layered with ice cream. It’s the perfect dessert to serve. What is the best fill What is cinnamon, sugar, chocolate chips, all swirled together to create a delicious dessert? When baked, it creates a marble effect. The tree shape comes from cutting the dough into triangles and stacking them on top of each other. Is it really that good when you bring it out of the oven? Is this the perfect addition to any winter or holiday get-together?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the best Christmas tree bread recipe? First of all, the flavor is amazing. You’ve got the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of sugar, and the comforting texture of soft, buttery bread. The combination is just divine! And honestly, it’s easier than it looks. Don’t let the fancy shape intimidate you. Secondly, the simplicity of this recipe is a huge selling point. What are some of the basic ingredients you already have in your pantry? What I love about this is how budget friendly it is. You don’t need any fancy ingredients, which is always a bonus during the holidays. I mean let’s be real the holiday season is not cheap, so finding affordable recipes makes my life so much easier. Is it versatile? Serve it for breakfast on Christmas morning, bring it to a holiday brunch, or enjoy it as an appetizer. What’s a good dessert to serve with hot cocoa? What is a crowd pleaser no matter where you go! It’s similar to a monkey bread in the pull apart function, but with an holiday twist!
How do I make Christmas tree bread?
Quick Overview
How do I make Christmas tree bread? How do I make sweet dough? What’s the best way to make a cinnamon-sugar sandwich? Stack strips, twist them into a tree shape, and bake until golden brown. A simple glaze finishes it off beautifully. Is the whole process very straightforward, and honestly, kind of therapeutic. What is the perfect baking project for a chilly afternoon? Is it easier than you think?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 3 12 cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached, but either works)
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* ¼ cup warm water (around 105-115°F)
* 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
* ½ cup milk, warmed slightly
* ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
For the Filling:
* ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
* Optional: 12 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work great), or chocolate chips.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or lemon juice for a tangy twist) * 1 tablespoon of honey for 1 teaspoon.
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* Optional: Sprinkles, for decoration
How do you follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make cleanup easy. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside. How do I make sure everything is evenly distributed before you add the wet ingredients? I always do this even when I’m tempted to skip it because I have seen how important this is. What is the final texture of bread?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy. How do you know if the yeast is active and ready to work its magic? Add the yeast mixture to the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Mix well. What is the temperature of milk? Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold and it won’t activate properly.
Step 4: Combine
Is it safe to mix wet and dry ingredients together? I turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. What is smooth and elastic? If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If you add too much bread, you will end up with a dry crust. If you have a stand mixer with dough hook, this is the place to go. I have made it by hand countless times and it turns out great!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Set aside. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, stir them in now. Feel free to get creative with the filling. I’ve tried adding nutmeg or cardamom, and it’s always a hit!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into an 8-inch rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread half of the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough. How do you stack dough over each other? Next, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Stack 6-8 strips on top of each other. Carefully twist the stack of strips a few times and lay them down on the prepared baking sheet. What is the base of a tree?
Step 7: Bake
Cover the assembled Christmas tree bread with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in warm place. For about 30 minutes, or until it has puffed up slightly. Is it safe to bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown? What is the best way to keep a close eye on your oven, as it can vary in size.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bread cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. How do I cool completely While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. Vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Once the bread is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and decorate with sprinkles, if desired. I always do this while it’s still a tiny bit warm, so the glaze melts in!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Use a serrated knife to slice the bread into wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature. Christmas tree bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep for a few days in an airtight container. I love serving this with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday treat. What is the best way to slice a tomato? Is it as simple or as complicated as you make it?
What to serve it with?
Christmas tree bread is pretty amazing on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it up.
For Breakfast:Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or latte. I love serving sliced bread with fresh fruit and yogurt for a festive dinner. Breakfast spreads.
For Brunch:What are some good ways to spice up a brunch with whipped cream? What is mascar Serve it with a glass of sparkling cider or mimosas for an elegant touch.
As Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds an extra indulgence. My kids love this served with a glass of milk.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a warm cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine. It’s the perfect treat to curl up with on a cold winter night. This is perfect for snuggling up and watching a Christmas movie. The smells of the bread will have everyone in the holiday spirit in no time!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Tree Bread
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can help you make the perfect Christmas tree bread every time.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined, then knead until smooth and elastic. Trust me, it is important to not overmix, it will make it too chewy!
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirl patterns. You can try different layering techniques or add additional fillings like Nutella or fruit preserves. I’ve even seen people add a bit of food coloring for an extra festive touch! I always make sure to take pictures of the bread. It is too pretty to not show off!
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of milk, you can use water or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk. If you don’t have butter, you can substitute it with coconut oil or vegetable oil. Keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the bread. The almond milk did not change the flavor at all when I substituted it. That makes it a great non-dairy alternative!
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the bread while it’s baking, as ovens can vary. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. I always check mine at about the halfway point. I also spin it around so it bakes evenly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the bread is done.
Glaze Variations: Experiment with different flavors for the glaze. Try adding a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist, or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth. You can also use a chocolate glaze or a cream cheese glaze for a richer flavor. I always like to try a different version to keep things new and exciting!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Christmas tree bread fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent it from drying out. If it is left out it can dry out pretty easily.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help to keep it moist.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. If I am freezing I always wait to glaze it until after it thaws.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the bread for more than a day, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Christmas tree bread a try this holiday season! It’s such a fun and festive recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family. It is worth making because the smell alone will put you in the holiday spirit! If you are looking for something a little more simple to make, perhaps try my cinnamon roll recipe! Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings and toppings to make it your own. If you do try it, please share your thoughts and variations in the comments below. Happy baking, and happy holidays!
Christmas tree bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a Christmas tree shape on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
