Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll

Featured in: Warm Breakfast Recipes

This delightful treat features soft, pillowy rolls shaped into a stunning snowflake form. The dough is enriched with warm milk, butter, and eggs for tenderness, layered with a spiced cinnamon-brown sugar filling. After a careful twisting technique creating beautiful arms, the rolls rise and bake to a golden finish. A simple vanilla icing glaze completes these warm, aromatic rolls, perfect for elevating holiday breakfasts or cozy celebrations.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:57:00 GMT
A close-up of a golden Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll, glistening with sweet icing after baking. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a golden Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll, glistening with sweet icing after baking. | savoringli.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 holiday favorite because it's as fun to assemble as it is delicious to eat.

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.
Warm, cinnamon-filled Giant Snowflake Sweet Rolls arranged perfectly on a holiday breakfast table. Save to Pinterest
Warm, cinnamon-filled Giant Snowflake Sweet Rolls arranged perfectly on a holiday breakfast table. | savoringli.com

This recipe brings my whole family together every holiday morning for a sweet and cozy start.

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

Calories 390 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 58 g Protein 7 g per serving based on 10 servings

Soft, pull-apart pieces of a Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll, showcasing the flavorful layers inside. Save to Pinterest
Soft, pull-apart pieces of a Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll, showcasing the flavorful layers inside. | savoringli.com

This snowflake sweet roll centerpiece is sure to impress your guests while filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How is the snowflake shape created?

The dough is divided into layers, cut into strips radiating from the center, then pairs of strips are twisted and pinched together to form the snowflake arms.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, after shaping the rolls, you can refrigerate them overnight and bake fresh the next day.

What gives the rolls their soft texture?

Using warm milk, melted butter, and eggs in the dough ensures a tender, soft crumb after baking.

Are there variations for the filling?

Yes, adding orange zest, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries enhances the flavor and texture of the filling.

What is the best way to serve these rolls?

Drizzle with vanilla icing while warm and serve alongside hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat.

Giant Snowflake Sweet Roll

Soft, sweet rolls shaped as a snowflake make a festive centerpiece for holiday mornings.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Created by savoringli Lila Anderson


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Makes 10 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Dough

01 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Activate yeast: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl or stand mixer bowl; let rest 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Incorporate wet ingredients: Add melted butter, eggs, and salt; mix until fully combined.

Step 03

Form and knead dough: Gradually add flour, mixing to form a soft dough. Knead by hand or with 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: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl; mix thoroughly.

Step 06

Shape dough layers: Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each into 12-inch circles and layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading filling evenly between layers, finishing with dough on top.

Step 07

Cut dough strips: Place a 3-inch round cutter or glass in the center (do not cut). Slice dough into 16 equal strips radiating from center.

Step 08

Form snowflake: Twist each pair of adjacent strips away from each other twice and pinch ends together. Repeat until snowflake form is complete.

Step 09

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

Step 10

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

Step 11

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. If unsure, check with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, and butter (dairy). Verify ingredient labels for allergy safety.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Serves for general info – not a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 390
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 7 g