Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll

Featured in: Olive-Warm Comfort Meals

This giant snowflake centerpiece features soft, fluffy sweet rolls twisted into a beautiful snowflake shape, filled with a cinnamon-brown sugar butter mixture. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter for a tender crumb, then layered and twisted before a final rise. After baking until golden, a simple vanilla icing is drizzled on top, adding a sweet glaze. Perfect for holiday mornings or festive gatherings, this centerpiece combines eye-catching design with comforting, flavorful warmth.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:02:00 GMT
A freshly baked Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll, glistening with sweet icing, for a holiday breakfast. Pin It
A freshly baked Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll, glistening with sweet icing, for a holiday breakfast. | olivecinder.com

A stunning, pull-apart centerpiece featuring soft, pillowy sweet rolls shaped into a beautiful snowflake, perfect for holiday breakfasts or festive gatherings.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite during the holidays and impresses every guest with its stunning presentation and delicious taste.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp / 7 g) active dry yeast, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warm (about 110°F/43°C), 1/3 cup (70 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted, 2 large eggs, room temperature, 1 tsp salt
  • Filling: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed, 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Icing: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2:
Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
Step 3:
Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
Step 4:
Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5:
Meanwhile, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl for the filling.
Step 6:
Punch down dough, turn onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 4 equal pieces.
Step 7:
Roll each piece into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle. Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread with 1/3 of the filling. Repeat layers, ending with the final dough circle on top.
Step 8:
Place a 3-inch (7.5 cm) round cutter or glass in the center (do not cut through). Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 equal strips radiating from the center (like sun rays), leaving the center intact.
Step 9:
Take two adjacent strips, twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together. Repeat with all pairs to form the snowflake shape.
Step 10:
Cover loosely and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 11:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes.
Step 12:
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for icing. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
This Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll shows pulled-apart rolls, beautifully shaped, with a cinnamon-sugar filling. Pin It
This Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll shows pulled-apart rolls, beautifully shaped, with a cinnamon-sugar filling. | olivecinder.com

Making this snowflake roll has become a treasured family tradition, bringing joy and warmth to our holiday mornings.

Required Tools

Stand mixer or large mixing bowl, rolling pin, sharp knife, baking sheet, parchment paper

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, and butter (dairy). Always check labels to ensure ingredients are safe for your dietary needs.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 10 servings): Calories 390, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 58 g, Protein 7 g

Warm, golden-brown Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll, the centerpiece of a festive dessert spread, ready to serve. Pin It
Warm, golden-brown Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll, the centerpiece of a festive dessert spread, ready to serve. | olivecinder.com

This Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll is a perfect blend of festive fun and delicious flavor that will impress your guests every time.

Recipe FAQs

How do I shape the snowflake rolls?

After layering the dough circles with filling, cut the dough into strips radiating from the center and twist adjacent strips twice before pinching ends to form the snowflake pattern.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the dough after the first rise, then shape and let rise again before baking for fresh results.

What type of filling is used inside the rolls?

A mixture of softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg creates a rich and aromatic filling.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze for longer storage.

Is there an alternative to powdered sugar icing?

You can substitute with a simple glaze made from honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll

Pillowy, snowflake-shaped sweet rolls layered with cinnamon-brown sugar filling and drizzled with vanilla icing.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
60 mins
Recipe by Owen Barnes


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 10 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian

What You'll Need

Dough

01 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
03 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
04 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
06 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 1 tsp salt

Filling

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
03 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
04 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Icing

01 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
02 2 to 3 tbsp milk
03 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Step 01

Activate yeast: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl or stand mixer. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Mix wet ingredients: Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture and mix well.

Step 03

Incorporate flour and knead: Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 05

Prepare filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg thoroughly in a small bowl.

Step 06

Divide dough and roll out: Punch down the dough, transfer to a lightly floured surface, and divide into four equal portions. Roll each into a 12-inch circle.

Step 07

Layer dough and filling: Place one dough circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread one third of the filling evenly. Repeat layering with remaining dough circles and filling, ending with dough on top.

Step 08

Cut snowflake pattern: Place a 3-inch round cutter or glass in the center without cutting through. Cut dough into 16 equal strips radiating from the center, leaving the center intact.

Step 09

Form snowflake shape: Twist two adjacent strips away from each other twice and pinch ends together. Repeat with all pairs to create the snowflake pattern.

Step 10

Second rise: Cover loosely and let rise for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 11

Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 12

Prepare and apply icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Advice

Make sure to review every ingredient for allergens and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, and butter (dairy).

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Details here are just for reference and not a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 390
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 7 g