# 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, warm (about 110°F)
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs, at 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 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
# How To Make It:
01 - In the bowl of a stand mixer or large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until blended.
02 - Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Blend until a soft dough forms.
03 - Knead by hand or with a dough hook attachment for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
05 - In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
06 - Gently punch down the risen dough. 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 half-inch border. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered surface.
08 - Roll the dough tightly from one long side into a log shape.
09 - Slice the log lengthwise into two halves and twist them together, exposing the cinnamon swirl layers.
10 - Arrange the twisted dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape, tucking the ends underneath for a neat base.
11 - Cover loosely and let dough rise again for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
12 - Whisk together egg and milk. Brush evenly over the surface of the dough to enhance browning.
13 - Bake 25 to 28 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
14 - Allow bread to cool slightly. Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then drizzle over the warm bread if desired.
