Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread: Easy Pull Apart Holiday Recipe

Name: Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 3 1/2 cups flour Forms the soft, chewy base of the dough for structure; – 1/4 cup sugar Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast for proper rise; – 1 tsp salt Balances flavors and strengthens gluten development; – 1 packet yeast Provides lift and airy crumb in this pull apart bread; – 1 cup warm milk Hydrates dough and activates yeast for tenderness; – 1/4 cup melted butter Ensures rich, flaky layers throughout; – 1 egg Binds ingredients and adds moisture for golden color; – 1/2 cup softened butter Creates the gooey cinnamon filling layer; – 3/4 cup brown sugar Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness to swirls; – 2 tbsp cinnamon Delivers signature warm spice in every bite; – 1 cup powdered sugar Base for smooth, drizzle-able icing; – 2 tbsp milk Thins icing to perfect consistency; – 1/2 tsp vanilla Enhances flavor with subtle aromatic notes

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Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread

This cinnamon swirl wreath bread stands out as a holiday bread recipe that brings joy to any gathering. Home cooks and baking enthusiasts appreciate its pull-apart design, perfect for sharing. Busy parents find it simple to make ahead for festive mornings.

Ease of preparation: Whip up this easy cinnamon roll wreath recipe in about 2.5 hours total, including rise times. The soft yeasted dough comes together quickly with basic pantry items. No advanced skills needed, just mix, roll, and bake for a stunning christmas wreath bread.
Health benefits: Cinnamon offers proven health benefits like blood sugar support and antioxidants. Opt for whole milk or plant-based alternatives for added nutrition. Each serving provides carbs for energy with moderate calories around 300.

Versatility: Adapt this pull apart cinnamon roll wreath for vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar diets. Serve as breakfast, dessert, or brunch centerpiece. Pairs well with coffee or hot chocolate during holidays.
Distinctive flavor: Warm cinnamon filling creates gooey swirls in every bite of this cinnamon swirl bread. Brown sugar adds caramel notes, while vanilla icing ties it all together. The wreath shape impresses guests with its bakery-fresh look.

This holiday cinnamon roll wreath turns simple ingredients into a showstopper that fills your home with cozy aromas.

Students and working professionals love how it fits busy schedules, while seniors enjoy its soft texture. Newlyweds can make it a tradition. Food enthusiasts rave about the pull-apart fun.

Jump To

1. Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread
2. Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread
5. Mastering Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread: Advanced Tips and Variations

6. How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread
8. Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread

Gather these items for your cinnamon swirl wreath bread recipe. Each plays a key role in texture and taste.

Main Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups flour – Forms the soft, chewy base of the dough for structure.
1/4 cup sugar – Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast for proper rise.
1 tsp salt – Balances flavors and strengthens gluten development.

1 packet yeast – Provides lift and airy crumb in this pull apart bread.
1 cup warm milk – Hydrates dough and activates yeast for tenderness.
1/4 cup melted butter – Ensures rich, flaky layers throughout.

1 egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture for golden color.
1/2 cup softened butter – Creates the gooey cinnamon filling layer.
3/4 cup brown sugar – Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness to swirls.

2 tbsp cinnamon – Delivers signature warm spice in every bite.
1 cup powdered sugar – Base for smooth, drizzle-able icing.
2 tbsp milk – Thins icing to perfect consistency.
1/2 tsp vanilla – Enhances flavor with subtle aromatic notes.

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Swap milk for almond milk, butter for coconut oil, and egg for flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).
Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; add 1 tsp xanthan gum if not included.
Low-calorie: Reduce butter to 1/3 cup in filling, use skim milk, skip icing or make with stevia-sweetened sugar alternative.

These tweaks keep the simple pull apart holiday bread accessible for diet-conscious individuals.

How to Prepare the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread: Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Dough

First Step: Mix 3 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1 packet yeast in a large bowl. Warm 1 cup milk to 110°F, then stir in 1/4 cup melted butter and 1 egg. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.

Second Step: Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at a time. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.

Create the Cinnamon Filling and Roll

Third Step: Punch down dough and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread 1/2 cup softened butter evenly to edges. Mix 3/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tbsp cinnamon, sprinkle over butter.

Fourth Step: Roll tightly from the long side into a log. For cleaner handling, chill 15 minutes. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice lengthwise down the middle, exposing swirls. Keep cut sides up.

Shape the Wreath

Fifth Step: Cross the two halves over each other like braiding, twisting gently 4-5 times to form a rope. Pinch ends together and curve into a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet, tucking ends under. If needed, use kitchen twine loosely to hold shape.

Sixth Step: Cover loosely and let rise 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush with milk for better rise in dry climates.

Bake and Finish

Seventh Step: Bake 25-30 minutes until golden. Check internal temp at 190°F; tent with foil if browning fast. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes.

Final Step: Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla for icing. Drizzle over warm wreath. Pull apart to serve. Yields 12 servings. Watch this cinnamon swirl wreath bread video tutorial for visual shaping tips. Vegan? Use plant substitutes in steps 1 and 7.

Step	Time	Temp
Dough Rise	1 hour	Room temp
Second Rise	30 min	Room temp
Bake	25-30 min	350°F

This method ensures even layers in your holiday bread recipe.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Flour base: Swap all-purpose for whole wheat (reduce by 1/4 cup, add extra milk) or almond flour for keto. Yeast: Use instant for faster rise. Egg: Applesauce (1/4 cup) works for binding in gluten-free versions.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Filling tweaks: Add chopped apples or raisins for texture in fall versions. Reduce cinnamon to 1 tbsp for milder spice, or mix in nutmeg. Icing: Use cream cheese for tang, or yogurt for lighter option. Low-sugar: Coconut sugar replaces brown sugar. Seasonal: Pumpkin puree in dough for holidays.

These changes suit travelers trying local twists or seniors preferring softer bites.

Mastering Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your pull apart cinnamon roll wreath to the next level.

Pro cooking techniques: Test dough readiness by poke test, it springs back slowly. Use bread flour for chewier texture. For higher altitude, increase yeast by 25% and reduce rise times.

Flavor variations: Add pecans like in our sweet Alabama pecan bread for crunch. Orange zest in filling for citrus pop. Savory: Swap cinnamon for garlic herb on half for mixed wreath.

Presentation tips: Dust with powdered sugar post-icing. Arrange cranberries around base for color. Serve on cake stand for parties.

Make-ahead options: Shape and refrigerate overnight, bake fresh. Freeze baked slices up to 2 months.

Twist in unique add-ins to match your taste.

Try a cheesy version inspired by our cheesy quick bread for savory brunches.

How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread: Best Practices

Keep your cinnamon swirl bread fresh longer.

Refrigeration: Store slices in zip-top bag up to 5 days. Reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Freezing: Wrap whole wreath or slices in foil, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, warm as needed.

Reheating: Oven at 300°F 10-15 minutes or microwave 10-15 seconds. Avoid sogginess with foil.
Meal prep considerations: Bake batch, portion for grab-and-go breakfasts. Sprinkle sugar to refresh.

Airtight containers work best at room temp for 2 days.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread

What’s the recipe for cinnamon swirl wreath bread?

Cinnamon swirl wreath bread starts with a soft yeasted dough: mix 3 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 packet yeast, 1 cup warm milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 egg. Knead until smooth, let rise 1 hour. Roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread with 1/2 cup softened butter mixed with 3/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tbsp cinnamon. Roll tightly into a log, cut lengthwise, twist halves together, and form into a wreath on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let rise 30 minutes, bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden. Drizzle with icing made from 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla. This yields 12 servings and takes about 2.5 hours total. Perfect for holidays—store covered at room temp up to 2 days.

How do you shape cinnamon swirl wreath bread?

After rolling the dough into a rectangle, spread the cinnamon filling evenly and roll it into a tight log from the long side. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log lengthwise down the middle, exposing the swirls. Keep the cut sides up, then cross the two halves over each other like braiding, twisting gently 4-5 times to form a rope. Pinch the ends together and curve into a circle on a baking sheet, tucking ends under. If it unravels, use kitchen twine loosely to hold the shape during rising. This method ensures even pull-apart layers. Let it proof for 30 minutes before baking. Pro tip: Chill the log 15 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices and easier handling.

Can you make cinnamon swirl wreath bread ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to 24 hours ahead. After shaping the wreath, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate instead of letting it rise at room temp. The cold slows yeast activity for better control. Next day, let it sit at room temp 1-1.5 hours until puffy, then bake as directed. You can also fully bake, cool completely, wrap in foil, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in fridge, then warm at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. For icing, add fresh to avoid sogginess. This flexibility makes it ideal for brunch or holidays—freezing preserves the soft texture and cinnamon aroma without quality loss.

How long does cinnamon swirl wreath bread stay fresh?

Freshly baked cinnamon swirl wreath bread stays soft and flavorful for 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in foil. Beyond that, the moisture from the filling can make it soggy. Refrigerate slices in a zip-top bag up to 5 days; reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave 10-15 seconds to revive crispness. For longer storage, freeze unbaked wreaths or baked slices up to 2 months—thaw and bake or warm as needed. Avoid plastic wrap alone as it traps moisture. A sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving refreshes appearance. Proper storage keeps the yeasted crumb tender and swirls gooey.

What are common mistakes when making cinnamon swirl wreath bread and how to fix them?

Overproofing causes the wreath to collapse—stick to 1-hour first rise and 30 minutes second; press gently to check. Uneven filling leads to bland spots—spread butter mixture to edges and sprinkle sugar evenly. Dough too sticky? Add 1 tbsp flour at a time during kneading. Swirls not visible? Ensure lengthwise cut goes deep and keep cut sides up while twisting. Underbaked center? Use a thermometer—internal temp should hit 190°F. If it browns too fast, tent with foil after 15 minutes. For drier climates, brush dough with milk before baking for better rise. These fixes yield bakery-perfect results every time.

Cinnamon Roll Wreath: Easy Pull Apart Holiday Recipe