Irresistible Brioche Cinnamon Snowflake Christmas Bread: A Stunning Holiday Brunch Recipe

Elevate your holiday mornings with this spectacular Brioche Cinnamon Snowflake Christmas Bread! Much like a cinnamon roll but presented in a breathtaking pull-apart star shape, this festive bread is an absolute showstopper. It’s not just a treat for the eyes but a delightful experience for the taste buds, making it the perfect center piece for your Christmas morning breakfast or brunch.

*Originally published December 2017. This recipe has been thoroughly tested, photos updated, and content revised for clarity and enhanced baking success.*

Discover the Magic of Cinnamon Star Bread

At first glance, this intricate cinnamon star bread recipe might seem like a daunting task, reserved only for professional bakers. But don’t let its stunning appearance fool you! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward to master, and the result is truly magical. Prepare for your guests to gasp in absolute delight when they see, and taste, this masterpiece.

This brioche cinnamon bread is more than just pretty; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. Each bite offers a wonderfully soft, pillowy crumb generously infused with the perfect balance of sweet, aromatic cinnamon sugar. It’s incredibly tender and rich, truly a must-try for anyone who loves baked goods. Whether you call it cinnamon star bread, cinnamon snowflake bread, or simply Christmas bread, one thing is certain: its incredible taste and beautiful form will make it an instant holiday classic in your home.

While it shines brightest during the festive season, this beautiful bread is versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of year. It makes an unforgettable Christmas breakfast or a centerpiece for a holiday brunch. Pair it with other festive treats like Gingerbread Pancakes, indulgent Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting, or savory Breakfast Enchiladas for a truly memorable spread.

Why This Brioche Cinnamon Bread is a Holiday Must-Make

This Brioche Cinnamon Snowflake Bread isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it’s bound to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen:

• A Showstopping Presentation: The unique snowflake or star shape is incredibly beautiful and will impress everyone at your table. It transforms a simple cinnamon bread into an edible work of art.
• Irresistibly Delicious: Beyond its looks, the taste is heavenly. The rich brioche dough combined with a sweet, spiced cinnamon sugar filling creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and luxurious.
• Unforgettable Texture: Made with a classic brioche dough, this bread boasts an incredibly soft, tender, and slightly chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Each pull-apart segment is a dream.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While it’s dubbed “Christmas Bread,” its universal appeal means it can be served for birthdays, special brunches, or simply as a delightful weekend treat throughout the year.
• Surprisingly Simple to Achieve: Despite its elaborate appearance, the shaping process is much easier than it looks, making it an achievable project for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Pairing: It complements a wide array of breakfast and brunch dishes, from fresh fruit and yogurt to savory egg preparations, or simply enjoyed on its own with a cup of coffee.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Star Bread Recipe

Crafting this incredible brioche cinnamon snowflake bread begins with high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• ACTIVE DRY YEAST: This is the magic behind the bread’s airy, fluffy rise. Always ensure your yeast is fresh and active before starting – a simple proofing test in warm milk will confirm its vitality. Reliable brands like Fleischmann’s and Red Star are excellent choices.
• MILK: Milk is crucial for both moisture and tenderness. It contributes to the bread’s soft crumb and adds a subtle richness, making the brioche dough truly melt-in-your-mouth. Ensure it’s warmed to the right temperature (around 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
• FLOUR: All-purpose flour is perfectly suitable for this recipe, providing a good balance of strength and tenderness. For an even chewier and more structured bread, you can opt for bread flour. While this recipe hasn’t been tested with whole wheat flour, the rich brioche base usually works best with lighter flours. King Arthur Flour is consistently a top performer for homemade bread.
• BUTTER: As a key component of brioche, butter is essential for its characteristic richness, flavor, and incredibly tender texture. Using softened, high-quality unsalted butter will yield the best results.
• EGGS: Eggs are vital for a true brioche. They add richness, contribute to the golden color of the crust, and act as a binder, bringing all the ingredients together into a cohesive, pliable dough. They also enhance the overall nutritional value and luxurious feel of the bread.
• SUGAR: Beyond adding sweetness, sugar is the “food” for the yeast, helping it to activate and proof properly, which is essential for a good rise. Granulated sugar is used in both the dough and the filling.
• SALT: Often overlooked, salt plays a critical role in balancing the flavors of the bread and, importantly, regulating yeast activity. It ensures a slow, steady rise, which develops better flavor and texture in the dough.
• BROWN SUGAR (for filling): Adds a deeper, molasses-rich sweetness and moisture to the cinnamon-sugar filling, complementing the bright flavor of the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
• CINNAMON (for filling): The star spice of the filling, cinnamon provides that classic warm, inviting aroma and flavor that defines this delicious holiday bread. Adjust the amount to your personal preference for spice intensity.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Stunning Christmas Bread

Creating this beautiful Brioche Cinnamon Snowflake Bread is a rewarding process. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a festive masterpiece ready for your holiday table.

PREPARE THE DOUGH (The Foundation of Flavor)

Begin by preparing the rich brioche dough. Combine your active dry yeast with warm milk and let it sit for a few minutes until foamy – this confirms your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Then, mix in the flour, softened butter, eggs, sugar, and salt. Brioche dough is known for being incredibly sticky and soft, almost like a thick batter, which can be surprising if you’re used to firmer bread doughs. Don’t be tempted to add too much extra flour at this stage, as it can make the final bread dry. Once mixed, allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This initial rise is crucial for flavor development. After its first rise, the dough will still be quite soft. The secret to handling brioche dough is refrigeration! Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it overnight. This chilling period firms up the butter in the dough, making it much more manageable and easier to roll out.

ROLLING AND LAYERING THE DOUGH (Building the Star)

The next day, retrieve your chilled dough. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking, as the dough will still be somewhat pliable. Divide the dough into four equal portions. Take one portion and roll it out into a 10-12 inch circle. Don’t stress about perfect edges; a slightly rustic look adds charm. Carefully transfer this circle to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This parchment paper is key for easy transfer and cleanup. Spread a generous layer of softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle it with your delicious cinnamon and sugar mixture. Repeat this process three more times, creating four layers of dough and three layers of sweet cinnamon sugar filling. The final layer of dough should not have any topping.

SHAPING THE SNOWFLAKE (The Artistic Touch)

Now for the fun part: shaping your showstopping snowflake! Place a small glass or jar (about 2.5 inches in diameter) in the very center of your stacked dough. Gently press down to leave a slight imprint – this marks the central, uncut portion of your bread. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the layered dough from the edge of the central imprint outwards, creating 16 equal sections, much like spokes on a wheel. Refer to the provided pictures for a clear visual guide. Next, take two adjacent sections. Twist each section away from the other three times. On the third twist, pinch the two ends together firmly to form a distinct point. Continue this process with all the remaining strips until your beautiful snowflake shape emerges. This twisting creates the stunning pull-apart segments.

FINAL RISE AND BAKING (The Grand Finale)

Once shaped, your snowflake bread only needs a short final rise of about 20 minutes in a warm spot. This brief rest allows the dough to relax and puff up slightly, ensuring a light and airy texture when baked. While it’s rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready as soon as the bread is. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bread is beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the brioche. The irresistible aroma filling your kitchen will be your first reward!

Expert Tips for Your Perfect Brioche Cinnamon Snowflake

Achieving a bakery-quality Brioche Cinnamon Snowflake Christmas Bread is easier with a few insider tips. Here’s how to ensure your holiday baking is a resounding success:

• Dough Preparation is Key: The brioche dough is inherently sticky. Do not be tempted to add excessive flour during the initial mixing or kneading, as this will lead to a dense, dry bread. The overnight refrigeration is not optional; it makes the dough firm enough to handle and roll out without a sticky mess.
• Make Ahead Magic: One of the best features of this Christmas bread dough is its flexibility. You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it stored in the refrigerator. This means you can split the work and reduce stress on busy holiday mornings. Just pull it out, let it warm up slightly, and proceed with shaping.
• Serving Freshness: For the absolute best taste and texture, serve this snowflake bread warm from the oven. If making it in advance, you can prepare the entire snowflake one day ahead. While it can last up to 2 days, the texture might become slightly drier, especially in dry climates. Reheating gently in a low oven can help restore some of its softness.
• Mind the Final Rise: The final rise (after shaping) should be brief, no longer than 20 minutes. Over-proofing at this stage can cause the dough to become too puffy and dry out during baking, diminishing its tender quality. Trust the timing for best results.
• Even Layers Matter: When rolling out your dough circles and spreading the filling, aim for evenness. This ensures each segment of the snowflake has a consistent amount of cinnamon sugar, providing balanced flavor in every pull-apart bite.
• Sharp Tools for Clean Cuts: Use a very sharp knife or a pizza cutter for slicing the dough into 16 sections. Clean cuts make for a more defined snowflake pattern after twisting and baking.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Twist: The twisting might feel a bit delicate at first, but don’t be shy. A firm, consistent twist will create beautiful, well-defined points on your snowflake. Pinch the ends together well to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
• Storage: To keep leftover bread (if there is any!) fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will prevent it from drying out and maintain its softness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cinnamon Snowflake Bread