Sweet Cinnamon Roll Wreath — A Stunning Holiday Centerpiece Dessert
When it comes to baking for the holidays, few treats can rival the charm and aroma of a freshly baked Sweet Cinnamon Roll Wreath. This beautiful pull-apart bread combines the buttery, spiced flavor of classic cinnamon rolls with a show-stopping, festive shape that looks as good as it tastes. Perfect for Christmas breakfast, winter brunches, or as an edible holiday centerpiece, this recipe brings warmth, sweetness, and seasonal spirit to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Wreath
- Visually stunning – It’s shaped like a holiday wreath, perfect for Christmas gatherings.
- Soft and fluffy – The enriched dough is pillowy, tender, and golden.
- Warm and comforting – Each swirl is packed with buttery cinnamon sugar.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
- Crowd-pleasing – A festive showpiece that doubles as dessert or breakfast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Optional: ½ teaspoon nutmeg for a deeper spice
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make a Sweet Cinnamon Roll Wreath
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and the activated yeast mixture.
- Mix and knead (by hand or stand mixer) for about 8–10 minutes, until soft and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) until smooth.
- Set aside while the dough rises.
Step 3: Shape the Wreath
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface.
- Roll tightly from the long edge into a log.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise down the middle to reveal the layers.
- Twist the two strands together, keeping the cut sides facing up.
- Form the twisted dough into a circle and pinch the ends to seal — your wreath shape!
Step 4: Second Rise
- Transfer the wreath to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover lightly with a towel and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
- If it browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through.
Step 6: Add the Glaze
- While the wreath cools slightly, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla.
- Drizzle generously over the warm cinnamon roll wreath.
- Garnish with festive touches like cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or powdered sugar “snow.”
Optional Holiday Twists
- Orange Glaze: Replace milk in the glaze with orange juice for a citrusy twist.
- Nut Lovers’ Version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling.
- Cranberry Wreath: Add dried cranberries for tart pops of flavor.
- Mini Wreaths: Divide the dough to make smaller, giftable versions.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Wreath
- Soft Dough: Don’t add too much flour — a slightly tacky dough yields the fluffiest texture.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the wreath, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked (unglazed) wreath up to 1 month. Reheat and add glaze before serving.
Serving Suggestions
The Sweet Cinnamon Roll Wreath shines on:
- Christmas morning breakfast — Serve with coffee, hot cocoa, or mulled wine.
- Holiday brunch spreads — Pair with fruit salad, yogurt, or egg casseroles.
- Festive dessert tables — It doubles as a centerpiece and a treat.
Nutritional Insight
While indulgent, cinnamon rolls also bring warmth and comfort that define the holidays. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar, and the homemade version lets you control sweetness and ingredients — a wholesome upgrade to store-bought pastries.
The Joy Behind the Recipe
There’s something magical about the process of creating this wreath — the scent of cinnamon filling the air, the gentle twist of dough forming its elegant shape, and the golden glow as it bakes. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings family together around the oven, waiting for that first pull-apart bite.
As the glaze melts into the warm layers, the result is pure holiday happiness — soft, buttery rolls with ribbons of cinnamon sugar, bound in the beauty of a wreath that symbolizes unity, love, and celebration.
Final Thoughts
The Sweet Cinnamon Roll Wreath is everything a holiday treat should be — beautiful, aromatic, and joyfully shareable. Whether you’re serving it for Christmas brunch or gifting it to a neighbor, it’s a recipe that radiates warmth and tradition.
This holiday season, let your home smell of cinnamon, butter, and happiness — and let this wreath be the centerpiece of your sweetest memories.
