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 waking up to freshly baked cinnamon rolls shaped into a stunning ring. This Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe turns a classic sweet treat into an irresistible centerpiece that smells like cozy mornings right out of the oven.

A round ring of cinnamon rolls is displayed on crinkled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The ring is made of multiple layered rolls with golden brown dough and dark cinnamon swirls inside, all arranged closely to form a wreath shape with an empty center. White icing is drizzled unevenly across the top of the rolls, adding a shiny texture, and small round red cranberries are scattered evenly over the whole wreath for a pop of color. The overall look is warm and festive, with the rolls slightly puffed and textured from baking, and the white marbled background adding a clean contrast. 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’ve made a lot of cinnamon roll recipes over the years, but this wreath version instantly won my heart. Not only does it look impressive, but it also bakes evenly and creates these little pockets of gooey cinnamon-sugar bliss that you and your guests will rave about.

Perfect Presentation: The wreath shape makes a lovely centerpiece that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Soft and Fluffy Dough: Made with Platinum Yeast, the dough rises beautifully and stays tender.
Customizable Filling: You can tweak the cinnamon-sugar layer or throw in nuts or raisins for your own twist.
Great for Entertaining: It’s easy to pull apart, so sharing with friends or family feels special and effortless.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of the Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays its part in creating that soft, rich dough and perfectly spiced filling—plus, they’re easy to find at your local grocery store!

Flat lay of one small bowl of whole milk, one small bowl of granulated sugar, one small bowl of ground cinnamon, four pieces of softened unsalted butter, two large whole brown eggs, one small bowl of confectioners’ sugar, one small bowl of milk, one small bowl of pure vanilla extract, a mound of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt, all arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, 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: Warm milk activates the yeast gently, and its fat content adds richness to the dough.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the roll just right without overpowering.
Platinum Yeast from Red Star: This instant yeast yields a reliable, fluffy rise with minimal fuss.
Unsalted butter: The softened butter enriches the dough and the filling, providing luscious texture and flavor.
Large eggs: Eggs add moisture, tenderness, and structure to the dough.
Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
All-purpose flour: Provides the ideal protein content for a sturdy, soft dough that's easy to shape.
Ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature warm, fragrant spice in the filling.
Confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and milk: These create a silky, sweet glaze that’s the perfect finishing touch.

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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

This Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe is wonderfully forgiving, so I love encouraging folks to personalize it. Whether you're into adding extra spices, swapping nuts, or going dairy-free, making it your own makes the whole baking process feel even more rewarding.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is stirring a pinch of cardamom into the cinnamon-sugar filling—it adds a subtle floral note that really elevates the flavor.
Dietary swap: I’ve successfully used coconut oil instead of butter for the filling to make it dairy-free without losing any richness.
Extra texture: Tossing in chopped pecans or walnuts with the cinnamon sugar gives a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender dough.

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

A close-up view of three cinnamon rolls on a white, lacy-edged plate set on a beige cloth over a dark surface. The cinnamon rolls have a golden brown color with swirls, topped with white icing drizzled unevenly over the rolls. Bright red raspberries are scattered on the plate and around it, adding a pop of color. A woman's hand is holding a fork with a white handle on the left side, and a mug with a reddish base and white upper part with black text is in the background. The background is softly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Wake the Yeast Gently

Start by warming the milk to around 95°F—warm enough to feel cozy, not hot enough to scald. I usually test this with my finger or a kitchen thermometer. Pour the warm milk into your stand mixer bowl, whisk in sugar and yeast until combined, and cover it loosely. After 5-10 minutes, the yeast should look frothy and alive—if not, don't fret; just start again with fresh yeast. This step jumpstarts the magic.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

With the yeast bubbling, add your softened butter pieces gradually and switch the mixer to low speed. Then one egg at a time goes in, followed by salt. Don’t worry if the butter looks like separate bits initially — it will come together as you add flour. Add the flour bit by bit, then crank the mixer to medium and knead until you have a soft, supple dough. If you’re going old school style without a mixer, knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until your dough passes the windowpane test.

Step 3: First Rise and Roll Out

Shape that dough into a ball, oil a bowl lightly, and set it in for its warm nap—covered and cozy—for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size. I often pop it in my warm, turned-off oven to speed things along. Once it’s up, flour your work surface and pat the dough into a smooth 10×20-inch rectangle—ready for that cinnamon sugar magic.

Step 4: Add the Filling and Roll

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mix liberally. Roll the dough tightly into a 20-inch log. Here’s a little trick—slice all the way through, except stop about ¼ inch from the bottom, so the rolls stay connected. Kitchen shears work wonders for this precise cut.

Step 5: Shape the Wreath and Let It Rise Again

Form the log into a circle, overlapping the cut rolls slightly—the wreath is taking shape! Place a small ramekin in the middle to help hold it firm, then cover loosely and let it rise again for 45 minutes to an hour until puffy. This double rise is key to the soft, airy texture that makes these rolls irresistible.

Step 6: Bake and Ice

Pop your wreath in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and deliciously fragrant. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle that dreamy vanilla icing over the top. Gently spread or let it cascade naturally—the choice is yours, but either way, it’s a sweet finish you don’t want to skip.

Top Tip

From my many cinnamon roll experiments, I’ve learned that a few little details make all the difference in your Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe turning out bakery-quality at home.

Temperature Matters: Using milk at the right warmth activates the yeast perfectly; too hot or cold can stall your rise.
Knead Like You Mean It: Give your dough a good knead until it’s silky but still soft—not dry or crumbly.
Keep It Connected: When slicing your rolled dough, stop just short of cutting all the way through so your rolls stick together in the wreath shape flawlessly.
Warm Environment for Rising: My trick of placing the dough in a turned-off, slightly warm oven creates the ideal cozy atmosphere for a perfect rise every time.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Wreath - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—sometimes a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few toasted chopped nuts on the icing for a little texture contrast. On special mornings, fresh berries around the wreath make a lovely pop of color and a fresh balance to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon roll wreath with a pot of strong coffee or bright, fresh orange juice to cut through the richness. A side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon also makes the perfect savory counterpart if you want to turn this into a brunch highlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings, I’ve decorated the wreath with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries to give it a seasonal, festive vibe. You can even add edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap the leftover wreath tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps it soft and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend popping it in an airtight container to avoid drying.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I like to freeze it right after shaping, before the second rise. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then let it rise at room temperature before baking. The texture and flavor come out just as wonderful as fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, a low-heat oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes works best for warming through without drying out. You can also pop individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry—though I prefer the oven method for that freshly baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While a stand mixer speeds things up, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10-12 minutes. Just be patient and keep the dough soft and elastic.

How do I prevent the cinnamon rolls from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and keep the icing generous; storing the wreath in an airtight container at room temperature helps maintain moisture. Reheating gently also prevents drying.

Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

Yes! Prepare the rolls through shaping, then refrigerate the wreath covered for up to 14 hours. Bring to room temperature, let rise about an hour, and then bake as usual for fresh results.

What’s the best way to slice and serve the wreath?

Use kitchen shears or a sharp serrated knife to cut between the rolls, which are already partially separated. This makes serving mess-free and keeps the wreath looking beautiful.

Final Thoughts

The Cinnamon Roll Wreath Recipe is more than just a baked good to me—it’s a way to create cozy, joyful moments with family and friends. I hope when you make this, it fills your kitchen with that same warmth and gets everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!). There’s such a simple pleasure in pulling apart this pull-apart pastry, and I’m excited for you to make it your own.