# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
→ Cinnamon Swirl Filling
08 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
09 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
→ Egg Wash
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 tablespoon milk
→ Icing (optional)
13 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - In a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
02 - Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs to dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
03 - Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
05 - Combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
06 - Punch down the dough, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle.
07 - Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface.
08 - Roll up dough tightly starting from one long edge into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise in half.
09 - Twist the two halves together to expose the cinnamon swirl. Shape the twisted dough into a Christmas tree on a parchment-lined baking sheet, starting wide at the base and tapering to a point. Tuck ends underneath.
10 - Cover loosely and let the shaped dough rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
11 - Whisk the egg and milk together and brush evenly over the surface of the dough.
12 - Bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
13 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the warm bread before serving.
