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Easy Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Easy Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread soft, buttery layers of cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for festive breakfasts or holiday gatherings.
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Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 large egg

For the Filling

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts optional

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tbsp milk or cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • Mix flour, salt, yeast mixture, egg, and butter into a sticky dough.
  • Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth; place in oiled bowl and cover.
  • Let dough rise 1 hour until doubled.
  • Punch down and roll into 12×8-inch rectangle.
  • Brush with butter and sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
  • Stack strips, slice center leaving one edge, then twist for branches.
  • Shape into tree on parchment-lined sheet; pinch base for trunk.
  • Let rest 30 minutes for second rise.
  • Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until golden.
  • Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
  • Cool 10 minutes, then drizzle glaze over bread.