When I first discovered the joy of a Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath, it was a chilly winter morning, and I was hosting a casual brunch for friends. One of them brought this stunning cinnamon wreath, and the way it looked—golden, soft dough nestled close in a perfect circle—was almost as inviting as the sweet cinnamon aroma filling the room. That first bite was pure comfort: soft, sticky, sweet, and warm. This Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it’s not just about how good it tastes—it’s about how it brings people together. Pull-apart cinnamon rolls spread out on a single, shareable wreath make for an easy, impressive centerpiece, perfect for holiday breakfasts or any special occasion.
This sweet yeast bread wreath fits effortlessly into real-life cooking and gatherings because it’s simple enough to make on a weekday morning, yet it feels festive enough for weekend brunches or holiday celebrations. Its pull-apart nature invites everyone to grab a piece without utensils or fuss, keeping things cozy and casual. The best part? It’s made with common pantry staples that most home cooks already have on hand. You don’t need to hunt down anything tricky. You’re just rolling dough, layering on cinnamon sweetness, and baking until golden.
If you’re someone who loves easy cinnamon roll desserts or breakfast treats that wow with minimal effort, this Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath is for you. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating your family to something special, the way this cinnamon wreath recipe fills your kitchen with inviting smells and delivers big flavor is unmatched. So if you’re looking for that sweet yeast bread wreath that’s equal parts beauty and comfort, I’m excited to share the tips and steps that make this recipe a keeper. Let’s make your next cinnamon treat a showstopper everyone will ask you to bring back again and again.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast works fine too)
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F for proofing yeast)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (you’ll find this in the regular spice aisle)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar (for the cinnamon filling)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading inside rolls)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for glaze)
No problem if you don’t have whole milk—I’ve used 2% with great results in this Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath. Melted butter can be swapped with a mild vegetable oil if you’re out, but butter gives you that classic richness this cinnamon wreath recipe is known for.
This Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath is affordable because most ingredients are staples: flour, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon. The time-saving prep tip is to measure and soften your butter and milk before you get started—it speeds things up. You can mix the yeast in warm milk while you prep the dry ingredients. Leftover dough or filling can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month.
My secret is adding just a pinch extra cinnamon in the filling to get that perfect balance of spicy warmth that makes this sweet yeast bread wreath pop with flavor. It’s little tweaks like this that make it feel homemade—like your own kitchen creation that everyone loves.
Let’s Cook It Together!
- Activate your yeast: In a large bowl, whisk the warm milk with sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step kicks off that lovely yeast activity you’ll taste in your Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath.
- Mix the dough: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to your yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. The dough should come together and pull away from the sides but stay soft.
- Knead the dough: Turn it onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You want a smooth, elastic dough. Trust me, kneading well here means lighter pull-apart cinnamon rolls later.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This step can be quick if your kitchen is cozy. Patience definitely pays off.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix cinnamon and brown sugar together. This simple filling is what makes this cinnamon wreath recipe sing.
- Roll and fill: Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle—about 12 by 18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Cut and shape: Cut the dough into 12 equal strips. Stack the strips, then slice that stack into 6 sections (so you have 6 little stacks of dough). Carefully thread those pieces onto a greased circular pan or cake ring, shaping into a wreath. This is the magic behind the pull-apart cinnamon rolls.
- Final rise: Cover and let rest for 30 minutes. This short proofing lets the dough puff up and become extra tender.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake your Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath for 25-30 minutes, until golden and puffed.
- Glaze it: While still warm, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, then drizzle generously.
From start to finish, this Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath takes me about 2.5 to 3 hours, with most of that time hands-off rising or baking. While the dough rises, I clean up and set the table. When it’s baking, your kitchen will smell incredible—it’s the best reward.
If your wreath looks a little uneven or the rolls are close, don’t worry—that’s normal. The pull-apart nature means every imperfect piece still tastes fantastic! Sometimes the shapes shift a bit during baking.
A quick shortcut I use is letting the dough rise in the bowl right in the oven with the light on for a warm environment. It speeds proofing nicely without extra heat. Over the years, I’ve learned that giving the final shaped wreath a good rest before baking is crucial for those fluffy, tender pull-apart cinnamon rolls.
If you love this approach, check out the Christmas Morning Cinnamon Roll Wreath – That Bread Lady for a festive twist on the Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath we’re making here.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
This Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath shines when served warm right out of the oven. The gooey layers mean each piece is tender and full of cinnamon goodness. I usually place it on a bright platter and let everyone pull off a piece; it’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Pairing it with fresh fruit or a mild cheese plate balances the sweet richness. A cup of hot coffee or tea rounds out the perfect holiday breakfast wreath experience. Speaking of holidays, this is a crowd-pleaser for Christmas mornings or special family brunches.
For a simple presentation, dust with a bit of extra powdered sugar before serving or add chopped nuts for texture. Leftovers? No worries—reheat gently in the microwave or oven to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
If you like savory-sweet combos, try serving slices with a side of scrambled eggs or bacon. I’ve also swapped out cinnamon for pumpkin spice in fall to give the sweet yeast bread wreath a seasonal twist, which guests absolutely loved.
When hosting, this easy cinnamon roll dessert often gets “wow” reactions. Friends comment on how something so simple can taste so indulgent. If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy the Japanese Milk Bread Rolls, which are soft and pillowy like these rolls but less sweet.
For a fun festive version, check out the Viral Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Snowflake as another creative spin on these yummy treats.
Your Questions Answered
- Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the wreath the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before baking the next morning. This makes your holiday breakfast wreath much more manageable.
- What’s the best substitute for brown sugar in this cinnamon wreath recipe? If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses mixed in works well. It keeps that deep caramel note in your pull-apart cinnamon rolls.
- Can I use frozen dough for this recipe? Yes, I’ve done this using leftover dough frozen from previous batches. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then shape and bake as usual.
- How do I adjust this Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath for more or fewer servings? This recipe makes about 12 big rolls. For a smaller group, halve the recipe and reduce the pan size accordingly. For larger gatherings, double it onto two baking rings or pans.
- Is there a way to make this gluten-free? I’ve tried a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum, and while it’s not quite the same pull-apart softness, it works nicely for a similar cinnamon wreath recipe.
- Can I swap the cinnamon for another flavor? Definitely. Try nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for a twist. Even a simple sugar and vanilla filling makes for an easy cinnamon roll dessert upgrade.
- What’s your top tip to avoid dough sticking when rolling? Generously flour your surface and rolling pin but avoid adding too much flour into the dough itself. If sticky, chill the dough briefly—it’s easier to handle.
For more easy cinnamon roll dessert inspiration, Sally’s Cinnamon Roll Wreath is a great resource that complements this recipe with useful tips.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s a perfect balance of approachable and impressive. Whether for special holiday breakfasts or weekend brunches, it delivers that warm cinnamon flavor with minimal fuss.
My Best Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath Tips:
– Don’t rush the rising phases; patience makes fluffy rolls.
– Use softened butter, never melted, in the filling to avoid soggy dough.
– Drizzle the glaze while the wreath is still warm for that perfect glossy finish.
I’ve tested a few variations: adding chopped nuts between layers, swapping cinnamon for cardamom, and creating a chocolate-cinnamon swirl version. The classic cinnamon and brown sugar filling is my family’s favorite and gets requested the most.
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Add your flavors, change the shape, or even make mini wreaths. What I hope you love most is how it fills your home with aroma, joy, and that simple comfort only a sweet yeast bread wreath like this can offer.
If you want to try other bread recipes with the same inviting, soft texture, check out my favorites like the Cotton Candy Swiss Cake Roll for dessert and the Japanese Milk Bread Rolls. Home cooking should be delicious and doable, and this Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath fits that beautifully.
Give it a try—you’ll impress without stress, and I know this cinnamon wreath recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath
This Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Wreath is a warm, gooey, and festive treat perfect for sharing, featuring soft cinnamon-spiced rolls arranged in a beautiful wreath shape.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together.
- Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and separate each roll into individual pieces.
- Dip each cinnamon roll piece into melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
- Place the coated pieces loosely in the bundt pan, layering and stacking until all pieces are used.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
- Drizzle the included icing over the top or serve on the side for dipping.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts over the wreath before serving.
Notes
For an extra touch, warm the wreath slightly before serving to make it extra gooey. You can also add a cream cheese glaze for richer flavor.