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

There's something truly magical about the way warm cinnamon and sweet sugar swirl together in this Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe. It’s not just any cinnamon roll—it’s a beautiful, shareable centerpiece that fills your home with that irresistible cozy aroma and makes mornings feel extra special.

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 Cinnamon Roll Wreath 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 Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe

I have to say, this cinnamon roll wreath goes beyond the standard sticky bun experience. When I first made it, the way those perfectly soft, fluffy rolls connect into a festive ring blew me away. It’s a showstopper that tastes as amazing as it looks.

Beautiful Presentation: The wreath shape makes it a perfect centerpiece for holiday mornings or gatherings, bringing people together around the table.
Soft, Buttery Dough: The tender dough melts in your mouth, thanks to a slow kneading process and just the right amount of butter and yeast.
Customizable Filling: While the classic cinnamon sugar filling is divine, you can easily add nuts or even swap in other spices to mix things up.
Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough the night before, which makes breakfast stress-free and lets the flavors deepen.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe plays a crucial role to create that perfect balance of soft, sweet, and fragrant goodness. Choosing the right flour and yeast, plus the room temperature eggs and butter, will help you achieve the tender, fluffy texture you want.

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: Using whole milk adds richness to the dough and helps it develop a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering it.
Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast: This yeast is super reliable, producing a consistent rise every time.
Unsalted butter: I recommend unsalted so you control the saltiness perfectly; softened butter blends better for a rich dough.
Large eggs: Eggs give the dough structure and a slight richness—make sure they're room temperature for better mixing.
Salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing enough gluten for chewiness but still tender.
Filling ingredients (butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon): Classic combo for that iconic cinnamon roll taste and texture.
Vanilla icing ingredients (confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, milk): Smooth, sweet drizzle to finish the wreath with that perfect shine and extra flavor.

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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 mixing things up with this Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe. Sometimes I keep it classic with cinnamon and sugar, but other times, I throw in chopped pecans or swap half the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice when autumn rolls around. It’s fun to make it your own.

Nutty Variation: Adding a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans inside the filling adds a lovely crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft dough—I’m obsessed!
Spiced Up: Try mixing cardamom or ginger with the cinnamon for a warmer, more complex flavor profile that's great for winter mornings.
Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk to make a vegan-friendly version. It’s surprisingly good!
Overnight Rise: For a hands-off approach, let the shaped wreath rest in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh in the morning. I do this all the time for easy entertaining.

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: Bloom the Yeast and Mix Your Dough

Start by warming the milk to about 95°F—that’s warm to the touch but not hot. Pour it into your mixer bowl, whisk in the sugar and yeast, then cover it with a towel. Wait for it to get foamy, about 5–10 minutes. This bloom is your yeast waking up—if you don’t see foam, fresh yeast will save you here.

Step 2: Add Butter, Eggs, Salt, and Flour

On low speed, beat in softened butter until it starts to break down but don’t worry if it looks patchy. Add eggs one by one, then the salt. Gradually pour in your flour, beating as you go to form a soft dough. Then crank up the speed to medium-high and beat until your dough feels soft and supple—about 6 minutes. If you’re mixing by hand, knead away for about 10-12 minutes here.

Step 3: Knead and Rise the Dough

Give the dough a good knead for about 5 minutes, either with a mixer or by hand on a floured surface. You want the dough soft but not sticky, and the “windowpane test” can be your best friend here—if you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light without tearing, you’re golden. Pop it into a greased bowl, cover it loosely, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled. I love using the turned-off warm oven method—it’s foolproof for me.

Step 4: Roll Out and Add Filling

Roll your dough out on floured parchment paper into a nice 10×20-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly all over, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar combo right on top. Roll the whole thing tightly into a 20-inch log, working quickly so the butter doesn’t melt.

Step 5: Slice and Form Your Wreath

Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut 20 one-inch deep slits into the log—don’t cut all the way through; keep the base connected so the rolls stay together. Now, twist and overlap each slice, connecting them into a beautiful wreath shape around a ramekin or bowl. This trick keeps your wreath perfectly round while baking.

Step 6: Second Rise and Bake

Cover your wreath loosely with plastic wrap and slide a rimless baking sheet underneath to make moving it easier. Let it rise again in a warm spot until puffy—usually about 45 minutes to an hour. Then bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes, until golden and irresistible.

Step 7: Drizzle with Vanilla Icing and Enjoy

Mix confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle this over the warm wreath just before serving. Trust me, this sweet drizzle is the final touch that takes these rolls from amazing to unforgettable.

Top Tip

After making this Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe many times, I’ve learned some tricks that really elevate the result and make the process smoother. These tips will help your wreath come out perfectly every single time.

Perfect Temperature: Keep your liquids and eggs at room temperature. Cold ingredients can slow yeast activity and toughen the dough.
Don’t Over-flour: It’s tempting to add more flour when the dough feels sticky, but sprinkle little by little to keep that soft, tender texture.
Use Kitchen Shears for Cutting: Scissors give clean cuts without squishing the dough, making your wreath easier to shape and preventing uneven baking.
Cover Loosely When Rising: Avoid plastic wrap clinging to the dough; a light covering lets it rise up beautifully without sticking.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe

cinnamon roll wreath - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like adding a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the vanilla icing before serving—it adds a lovely crunch and a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon. If it's winter, a tiny dusting of powdered sugar mimics snow and adds a festive touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon roll wreath with a simple cup of coffee or hot tea to balance the sweetness. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad to provide brightness and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

I once brought this cinnamon roll wreath to a holiday brunch on a large wooden charger plate decorated with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries around the edges—it looked stunning and smelled incredible. You could also present it on a rotating cake stand for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon roll wreath? No problem! I let it cool completely and then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheating gently in the oven helps bring back that fresh-baked softness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I like to freeze the wreath after shaping but before the second rise. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, let it rise on the counter, and then bake fresh. This method keeps the texture just like homemade.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 350°F and warm the whole wreath for about 10-15 minutes, tented with foil to prevent over-browning. Adding a quick fresh drizzle of icing after reheating always makes it taste like it just came out of the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this cinnamon roll wreath without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10-12 minutes. The key is to develop the gluten until the dough is smooth and elastic.

What’s the best way to get the wreath to keep its shape while baking?

I recommend placing a small ramekin or bowl in the center of the wreath during the second rise and baking. This helps the wreath hold its circular shape and prevents the rolls from spreading apart too much.

Can I prepare the cinnamon roll wreath the night before?

Yes! After shaping the wreath, cover it and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let it come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before baking. This makes morning prep so easy and lets the flavors develop more fully.

How can I make sure my cinnamon rolls turn out soft and fluffy?

Use room temperature ingredients, don’t over-flour the dough, and knead thoroughly until the dough passes the windowpane test. Also, allowing enough time for both rises in a warm environment ensures a delicate, airy crumb.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and heart—it’s the perfect mix of sweet nostalgia and a little bit of wow-factor that gets guests smiling before they’ve even taken a bite. I hope you try making it soon and discover your own favorite twists to make it truly yours. Sharing this wreath truly feels like sharing a warm hug made of cinnamon and dough.