Name: Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (240ml) whole milk; 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar; 1 and 1/2 tablespoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (2 standard size packets); 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 and 1/2 cups (563g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands/work surface; 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk

Nothing says cozy like the sweet aroma of cinnamon dough wafting through your kitchen. This Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe isn’t just a treat – it’s a stunning centerpiece that brings both comfort and style to your table, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

A round cinnamon roll wreath made of twisted, golden-brown dough pieces with visible layers of cinnamon filling spiraled inside each segment, arranged in a circular ring with a hollow center. The top is drizzled evenly with white glaze that pools slightly under the wreath, and scattered red cranberries add contrast across the surface. The wreath sits on crumpled white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I fell in love with this Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe the first time I baked it because of its show-stopping shape and delightful layers of cinnamon-sugar magic. It’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to make, which means you get that bakery wow-factor without the fuss.

Visual Impact: The wreath shape looks festive and inviting, making it perfect for holidays or special breakfasts.
Flavor Harmony: Buttery dough combined with rich cinnamon filling creates a classic comforting taste that everyone loves.
Easy to Share: Slice it up into pull-apart rolls – no cutting needed, which is great when you have company.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it the night before and let it rise overnight, saving you time in the morning.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a key role in giving this Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe its soft texture and deep flavor. Using quality dairy and fresh yeast makes a big difference – plus, room temperature eggs and butter help everything blend together beautifully.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, two brown eggs with clean shells, four pieces of softened unsalted butter on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl of confectioners’ sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of pure vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of extra milk, a small pile of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of instant yeast granules on a simple white ceramic plate, a pinch of salt in a small white ceramic bowl, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically with balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the dough for that tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough pleasantly.
Platinum Yeast from Red Star: This instant yeast gives a reliable rise with a lovely fluffy texture.
Unsalted butter: Both in the dough and filling, it adds richness and helps create layers.
Eggs: Bind the dough together and add tenderness and structure.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the rolls soft and tender.
Cinnamon and sugar spread: The star of the flavor, creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth filling.
Vanilla icing: Sweetens and adds a creamy finishing touch that ties everything together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love putting my spin on this Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe by mixing up fillings or toppings depending on the season or mood. Don’t be afraid to get creative – this dough is forgiving and delicious no matter what!

Nutty variation: Add toasted pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar filling for an extra crunch – my family adores this twist.
Fruit-filled: Swirl in some chopped apples or dried cranberries before rolling up to add fresh bursts of flavor.
Gluten-free adjustment: Substitute with a blend of gluten-free flours and xanthan gum; just keep an eye on elasticity during kneading.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe

The image shows a white decorative plate with three cinnamon rolls placed closely together. Each cinnamon roll has a golden-brown color with visible spiral layers and is topped with white icing drizzled unevenly over the surface. There are three bright red raspberries placed on and around the cinnamon rolls, adding a pop of color. The plate sits on a beige cloth on top of a dark surface, but the background is edited to a white marbled texture. Part of a silver and white knife and fork are visible on the left side of the plate, and a woman's hand is partly seen holding the plate. In the blurred background, a white cup with text and another pastry are faintly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm Milk and Activate Yeast

First things first: heat your milk to about 95°F (35°C) – pleasantly warm, not hot. Stir in the sugar and yeast, then cover with a towel and wait for it to start foaming. This foamy layer means your yeast is alive and ready to work magic. If you don’t see bubbles, don’t hesitate to start over; fresh yeast really makes a difference here.

Step 2: Mix In Butter, Eggs, Salt, and Flour

Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, add the softened butter in pieces and beat gently. Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, followed by the salt. Don't worry if the butter looks a little chunky at this point; it'll incorporate as you add flour. Slowly add the flour while mixing on low speed until you get a soft dough, then increase speed and keep beating. If you’re doing this by hand, expect a bit of kneading in the next steps.

Step 3: Knead the Dough Until Soft and Supple

This is key: knead the dough for about 5–6 minutes. I love the kneading process! It’s such an easy way to tell if your dough is ready: it should feel soft but elastic, and pass the “windowpane test” – stretch a small piece until you can see through it without tearing. This step brings out that perfect chewiness in the finished rolls.

Step 4: First Rise

Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. I often use my warm oven trick for rising: turn the oven on to 200°F (93°C), then turn it off and pop the covered dough inside. It usually takes an hour to two for the dough to double in size, but the exact timing depends on your kitchen’s temperature.

Step 5: Roll Out and Add Filling

On a floured surface or parchment paper, roll your dough into a 10×20-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter all over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar evenly on top. Roll up the dough tightly into a log about 20 inches long, then carefully slice it into twenty 1-inch thick rolls – but only cut about three-quarters of the way through so they stay connected at the base. Kitchen shears help with this step if you have them.

Step 6: Shape Into a Wreath and Second Rise

Now the magic shape happens! Turn one roll on its side and start arranging the rest around it, overlapping slightly to form a circle. To keep it snug and perfect, place a small ramekin in the center as a guide. Cover loosely and let it rise in a warm place until puffy – about 45 minutes to an hour.

Step 7: Bake and Cool Before Icing

Bake your wreath at 350°F (177°C) for around 25 minutes, until golden brown and irresistible. Let it cool about 10 minutes before drizzling with the vanilla icing. I like to make the icing while the wreath bakes, so it’s ready to go as soon as it’s out.

Top Tip

Baking bread can be intimidating, but with this recipe I learned some simple tricks that made all the difference — and I want to share them with you!

Warm Environment for Rising: Using your warmed and then turned-off oven gives the dough the perfect cozy spot to proof, speeding up the rise without overheating.
Don’t Over-Flour: I’ve found that adding too much flour during kneading makes the dough stiff. Use just enough to keep it from sticking, and you’ll get a soft, tender crumb.
Slicing with Kitchen Shears: This is a game-changer for the wreath – it helps maintain connected rolls and makes shaping easier.
Patience After Baking: Let your wreath cool briefly before icing to avoid melting and sliding icing—it keeps the drizzle picture-perfect.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe

cinnamon roll wreath - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For me, the vanilla icing is non-negotiable, but I also love a little extra sparkle with chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar if I’m feeling fancy. Fresh berries or a light drizzle of caramel can also add a gourmet touch if you want to impress guests.

Side Dishes

I often serve this wreath alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple cup of creamy coffee or chai tea. It pairs beautifully with anything light that balances its sweetness – yogurt with honey and nuts is a favorite for weekend brunches.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the wreath on a wooden board or rustic cake stand for extra charm. For holidays, decorate the center ramekin with seasonal flowers, pinecones, or a small candle to turn it into a real conversation piece at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover wreaths tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls stay soft and fresh, perfect if you want to enjoy a treat the next morning.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver for me. I usually freeze after shaping but before the second rise; just thaw overnight in the fridge, let it rest and rise at room temp, then bake. You can also freeze fully baked wreaths wrapped in foil and plastic — just reheat gently to keep them soft.

Reheating

To bring leftover rolls back to life, I pop them into a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered. This restores the soft, fluffy texture without drying them out, and I add a fresh drizzle of icing before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant yeast instead of Platinum Yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast with Platinum Yeast in this recipe. Just make sure your instant yeast is fresh and active for the best rise and texture.

How do I know when the dough has been kneaded enough?

A great way to test is the windowpane test: stretch a small piece of dough gently until it’s thin enough to let light pass through without tearing. If it breaks easily, knead a bit longer.

Can I prepare the Cinnamon Roll Wreath in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the wreath the night before, then refrigerate to slow the rise. Bring it to room temperature and allow it to rise again before baking for fresh rolls in the morning.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze wrapped well for longer storage. Reheat in the oven for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe has become my go-to for special occasions because it brings a bit of joy and warmth to the start of any day. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do – it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a comforting hug from the inside out.