Pin This cinnamon roll wreath is my answer for when you want everyone to say wow at the breakfast table. It takes the classic pull-apart rolls we love weaves them into a showy shape and drenches them in just-tangy cream cheese icing. Perfect for holidays or a brunch worth remembering.
When I first made this for Christmas breakfast my family huddled in kitchen just to watch it bake. It instantly became our tradition and now there are never leftovers.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: gives sturdy structure and soft crumb look for unbleached flour if possible
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the dough fine white sugar is best
- Instant yeast: ensures even rise check for a fresh recent pack
- Salt: brings out the sweetness and balances flavors use a pure fine sea salt
- Whole milk: creates a rich tender crumb warm to just above room temperature for smooth mixing
- Unsalted butter: provides richness and lets you control the salt choose good quality fresh butter
- Eggs: bind the dough and add flavor room temperature eggs incorporate best
- Brown sugar: for the filling melts into gooey caramel use fresh moist brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon: infuses the rolls throughout true cinnamon or Ceylon is especially fragrant
- Ground nutmeg: offers a subtle warmth go for fresh grated if you have it
- Cream cheese: for the icing gives tangy body use full-fat for best flavor
- Powdered sugar: makes the icing smooth sift before measuring for no lumps
- Pure vanilla extract: adds depth only the real stuff here for fragrance
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Combine flour sugar yeast and salt in a large bowl or the stand mixer bowl. Stir together for even distribution before adding anything wet. This avoids pockets of salt or yeast.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Pour in lukewarm milk melted butter and eggs. Mix with the dough hook or a sturdy spoon until you see a shaggy sticky dough forming. Make sure no dry flour remains at the bottom.
- Knead the Dough:
- Knead for at least six minutes by hand or with the dough hook. The dough should become elastic and not stick to your fingers. Do not rush this process smooth dough is key for fluffy rolls.
- First Rise:
- Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl turning it to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise somewhere warm until doubled in size about one hour. It should look puffy and airy.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Dust your work surface with flour. Roll dough into a large rectangle about sixteen by twelve inches. Aim for even thickness across so all rolls bake evenly.
- Add the Filling:
- Spread softened butter right to edges over the whole surface. Sprinkle brown sugar cinnamon and nutmeg evenly. Press in lightly so it sticks.
- Shape Into a Log:
- Roll dough tightly from the long side like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam closed well to keep swirls neat during baking.
- Slice and Twist:
- Use a very sharp knife to cut the log lengthwise so you see all the layers inside. Gently twist the two ropes together cut side up for visible spirals.
- Form the Wreath:
- Curve the twisted dough into a circle and pinch the ends together firmly. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep the cut sides visible for the prettiest presentation.
- Second Rise:
- Loosely cover the wreath and let it puff up for thirty to forty minutes. It will expand and become lighter. Meanwhile preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake:
- Bake in the center of the oven for twenty-five to twenty-eight minutes until golden brown. Check for doneness by tapping the bottom it should sound a little hollow. If any spots brown too fast shield loosely with foil.
- Cool Slightly:
- Let the wreath cool about fifteen minutes. It will finish setting and be easier to frost.
- Prepare the Icing:
- Beat cream cheese and soft butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar vanilla and a pinch of salt. Add milk one spoon at a time until just spreadable but not runny.
- Frost and Serve:
- Drizzle or spread icing generously over the still-warm wreath. Let it melt into all the ridges and swirls. Serve when just barely warm or at room temp.
Pin My favorite part is the very middle slice where the swirls are softest and the icing pools thick. Last year my youngest insisted on being the official icing spreader and there was not a bare spot anywhere.
Storage Tips
For freshness cover leftovers tightly with plastic or store in an airtight container. You can gently rewarm slices in a low oven or microwave for ten seconds at a time just until icing is shiny again. If making ahead you can shape the wreath the night before let it rise in the fridge and bake off right before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of whole milk try half and half with a splash of water or use plant milk for a dairy-light version. For the filling maple sugar gives a nice twist or swap in coconut sugar for a different layer of flavor. Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the filling for crunch and tang.
Serving Suggestions
Let everyone pull off their own piece family style with extra icing on the side. This pairs well with a fresh fruit salad or crisp bacon for even more brunch magic. For holidays scatter candied orange or lemon peel over the top for color.
Cultural and Holiday Traditions
Sweet pastries shaped into rings or wreaths have long been considered festive in many cultures especially around Christmas and Easter. The twist and wreath shape symbolize togetherness and celebration. Making this has now become our family's modern holiday ritual.
Pin Enjoy every gooey swirling bite while it is still a little warm and share with friends for a truly memorable brunch.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I shape the dough into a wreath?
After rolling and filling, slice the log lengthwise, twist the halves together with cut sides facing up, then form a circle and pinch to seal.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- → What substitutions work for the filling?
Add chopped pecans, raisins, or swap nutmeg for cardamom to personalize flavor and texture.
- → How do I ensure the wreath is fluffy?
Knead the dough well to develop elasticity and allow proper rising in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size.
- → Can I add citrus notes?
Yes, mix orange zest into the cream cheese icing for a bright, flavorful twist.