What is cinnamon swirl wreath bread?

Cinnamon swirl wreath bread is a stunning, festive pull-apart bread shaped like a wreath, featuring soft, enriched yeast dough swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling. It's perfect for holidays, brunch, or coffee breaks, offering gooey cinnamon layers in every bite. The dough rises twice for fluffiness, and the wreath shape comes from braiding or twisting ropes of rolled dough, then baking until golden. One 12-inch wreath serves 8-10 people and takes about 3 hours total, including rising time. Slice it into wedges or pull it apart for easy sharing. It's a crowd-pleaser that combines the comfort of cinnamon rolls with an eye-catching presentation—no special pans needed, just a baking sheet. (87 words)

What ingredients do I need for cinnamon swirl wreath bread?

For the dough: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup warm milk (110°F), 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla. Filling: 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon. Glaze (optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla. These make one large wreath. Use bread flour for extra chew if desired. Measure flour by spooning into the cup to avoid density. Prep all filling ingredients before starting dough for smooth assembly. Total cost is under $5. (102 words)

How do you make cinnamon swirl wreath bread step by step?

Mix dry dough ingredients, then add wet (milk, butter, egg, vanilla) to form a soft ball. Knead 8 minutes until smooth, let rise 1 hour in a greased bowl. Roll into 18x12-inch rectangle, spread butter, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mix. Cut into 3 long strips, braid loosely, form into a circle on parchment-lined sheet, pinch ends. Rise 45 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until deep golden. Cool slightly, drizzle glaze. Pro tip: Use dental floss to cut strips cleanly. Brush with melted butter post-bake for shine. Total time: 3 hours. Watch for overproofing to prevent dense texture. (109 words)

How do you shape cinnamon swirl wreath bread?

After rolling dough into an 18x12-inch rectangle and adding filling, cut lengthwise into three equal 18-inch strips. Braid the strips gently, stretching as you go for even thickness. Bring ends together to form a ring, pinching and tucking under to seal. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam-side down. Cover loosely with plastic and rise until puffy. For a cleaner look, use unflavored dental floss slid under strips to cut without squishing filling. Space braids 1 inch apart during rising. This method ensures the wreath holds shape and reveals perfect swirls when pulled apart. (98 words)

Can you freeze cinnamon swirl wreath bread and how?

Yes, freeze unbaked or baked wreath for up to 2 months. For unbaked: Shape, place on sheet, freeze solid 2 hours, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in fridge, rise 1-2 hours before baking. For baked: Cool fully, wrap in plastic then foil, or slice into portions in freezer bags. Thaw at room temp 1 hour or microwave slices 20 seconds. Reheat oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or air fryer 350°F 3 minutes. Freezing preserves flavor; add glaze after thawing. Avoid refreezing. Great for holiday prep—bake fresh in minutes. (96 words)

Simple Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread Recipe For Holidays

Name: Cinnamon Swirl Wreath Bread
Prep time: 2 h 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; – 1/4 cup sugar; – 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast; – 1 tsp salt; – 1 cup warm milk (110°F); – 1/4 cup melted butter; – 1 egg; – 1 tsp vanilla; – 1/2 cup softened butter; – 3/4 cup brown sugar; – 2 tbsp cinnamon; – 1 cup powdered sugar; – 2 tbsp milk; – 1/2 tsp vanilla

Ingredients

– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/4 cup sugar

– 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast

– 1 tsp salt

– 1 cup warm milk (110°F)

– 1/4 cup melted butter

– 1 egg

– 1 tsp vanilla

– 1/2 cup softened butter

– 3/4 cup brown sugar

– 2 tbsp cinnamon

– 1 cup powdered sugar

– 2 tbsp milk

– 1/2 tsp vanilla

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare the dough (mise en place): Mix 3 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp yeast, and 1 tsp salt in a large bowl. Warm 1 cup milk to 110°F. Add milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla. Stir until a soft ball forms. Knead on floured surface 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Grease bowl, place dough inside, cover with plastic. Let rise 1 hour in warm spot until doubled.

2-Second Step: Make the filling: While dough rises, soften 1/2 cup butter. Mix 3/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tbsp cinnamon in small bowl. Prep glaze separately: whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla until smooth. Set aside. Line baking sheet with parchment.

3-Third Step: Roll and fill: Punch down risen dough. Roll into 18×12-inch rectangle on floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mix edge-to-edge, pressing lightly. For clean cuts, slide unflavored dental floss under dough.

4-Fourth Step: Cut and braid: Cut rectangle lengthwise into three 18-inch strips. Braid strips loosely, stretching gently for evenness. Bring ends together to form ring, pinch and tuck seam under. Place seam-side down on prepared sheet. Cover loosely with plastic. Let rise 45 minutes until puffy.

5-Fifth Step: Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 25-30 minutes until deep golden. Watch closely after 25 minutes to avoid overbrowning. Cool on sheet 10 minutes.

6-Final Step: Glaze and serve: Drizzle glaze over warm wreath. Brush with extra melted butter for shine. Slice into wedges or pull apart. Serve at gatherings.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🎄 Arrange the wreath on a round pan before rising for uniform shape—pre-forming prevents uneven baking and keeps the festive circle intact.
🥧 Use dental floss or thread for clean slicing of the log instead of a knife; it prevents squishing the soft dough and preserves swirl integrity.
❄️ Freeze unbaked wreath after shaping and rising once—bake straight from frozen with extra 5-10 minutes for make-ahead holiday convenience.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert/Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 300 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 250 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg