There’s something magical about holiday baking that makes my kitchen feel like the heart of Christmas. Every year, I look forward to pulling out my favorite recipes, but nothing gets my family as excited as when I make this christmas tree bread. It’s not just delicious—it’s an edible centerpiece that steals the show at every gathering. I still remember my niece’s eyes lighting up the first time she saw it. “Auntie, you made a bread tree!” she squealed. That’s when I knew this recipe was special. The way the golden, cheesy layers pull apart like ornaments on a tree makes it as fun to eat as it is beautiful to look at.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Oh my gosh, where do I even start? This Christmas tree bread is the holiday recipe you didn’t know you needed. First off, just look at it – that gorgeous golden twist sitting on your table like a delicious little tree. But here’s what really makes it special:

It’s the ultimate showstopper – your guests will actually gasp when you bring it out
The pull-apart design means no slicing needed (and way more fun to eat!)
You can stuff it with whatever you’re craving – I’ve done everything from gooey cheese to sweet cinnamon sugar
Perfect for holiday parties because everyone can grab their own piece
Smells absolutely heavenly while baking – like Christmas in bread form

Trust me, this will become your new holiday tradition. My family won’t let me skip it now!

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Bread

Okay, let’s gather our holiday magic makers! Here’s exactly what you’ll need for this festive bread (and yes, I’ve learned the hard way – measure everything before starting!):

3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled, please don’t pack it!)
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast – check that expiration date!
1/4 cup sugar – helps the yeast do its happy dance
1 tsp salt – I use fine sea salt
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F) – test it on your wrist like baby formula
1/4 cup warm water – same temp as the milk
1 large egg – room temp works best
2 tbsp butter, melted – I always use unsalted
1/2 cup shredded cheese – I’m partial to sharp cheddar
1/4 cup chopped herbs – fresh rosemary makes it smell like Christmas
1 egg yolk – for that gorgeous golden shine

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Baking is flexible – here’s how to make it your own:

Yeast: If using instant yeast, you can mix it right with the dry ingredients. Active dry? Proof it in the warm milk first.

Milk: Any kind works! I’ve used almond milk when baking for my lactose-intolerant cousin.

Cheese: Oh the possibilities! Gruyère is fancy, mozzarella makes epic pulls, or skip cheese for a sweet version.

Herbs: No rosemary? Parsley, thyme, or even a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning works.

Butter: Margarine can sub in, but the flavor won’t be as rich. I don’t recommend oil here.

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this! Just grab:

A large mixing bowl (I use my favorite ceramic one)
Rolling pin (or an empty wine bottle in a pinch – I’ve been there!)
Baking sheet lined with parchment
Pastry brush for that golden egg wash
Sharp knife for cutting the dough

That’s it! Now let’s make some holiday magic happen.

How to Make Christmas Tree Bread

Alright, let’s get our hands doughy! This christmas tree bread comes together in a few simple (but important) steps. Follow along and you’ll have a gorgeous edible tree before you know it!

Wake up that yeast: In your mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Pour in the warm milk and water – it should feel like a cozy bath, not hot! Add the egg and melted butter. Now knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it sticks, add a tiny bit more flour.
Let it rise: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 hour. I like to put mine near the oven vent. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s doubled in size – poke it gently and the indentation should stay.
Roll it out: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Don’t stress about perfection – rustic is charming!
Add the good stuff: Sprinkle your cheese and herbs evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Press them in gently so they stick.
Roll it up: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.

Shaping the Christmas Tree

Here’s where the magic happens! Take your sharp kitchen shears or knife and cut the log in half lengthwise – but stop about 1 inch from the end (this uncut part becomes your tree trunk). Now twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up, keeping that base intact. Gently shape it into a tree form on your baking sheet. Don’t worry if some filling peeks out – that just adds character!

Final rise: Let your shaped tree rest for 20 minutes while your oven preheats to 375°F. It’ll puff up just a bit more.
Golden touch: Whisk the egg yolk with a teaspoon of water and brush it all over the dough. This gives that beautiful holiday glow!
Bake: Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until deeply golden. You’ll know it’s done when it sounds hollow if tapped.

Let it cool just enough so you don’t burn your fingers, then watch everyone gather around your edible Christmas masterpiece!

Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Bread

After making this recipe more times than I can count (and learning from plenty of mistakes!), here are my can’t-live-without tips:

Find the warmest spot in your kitchen for rising – I use the microwave with a mug of hot water next to the bowl
Distribute fillings evenly – too much cheese in one spot makes the dough tear when twisting
The tap test never lies – if the bread sounds hollow when tapped underneath, it’s done
Let it rest before cutting – 10 minutes of patience means cleaner pulls
Egg wash is key – skip it and you’ll miss that gorgeous golden glow

Oh! And don’t stress if your first tree isn’t picture-perfect – mine looked like a drunken pinecone the first time!

Serving & Storage

Oh, you’ve gotta serve this Christmas tree bread warm – that’s when the cheese is at its gooey best! I love placing it right in the center of the table with bowls of marinara for dipping or next to a cozy pot of soup. Leftovers? (As if!) Store any uneaten bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days – just pop slices in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to revive them. You can also freeze the whole loaf wrapped tightly in foil – thaw overnight and reheat until toasty.

Christmas Tree Bread Variations

Oh, the possibilities are endless with this dough! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up when I’m feeling creative:

Garlic Butter Bliss: Skip the cheese and brush the rolled-out dough with melted garlic butter before sprinkling with parsley (my husband’s favorite!)
Sweet Cinnamon Swirl: Swap the savory fillings for brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans – perfect for Christmas morning
Pesto Party: Spread basil pesto instead of cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes for an Italian twist
Everything Bagel: Sprinkle the egg wash with everything bagel seasoning before baking – so addictive!

Honestly, you could probably do a different version every December and never get bored!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know – these estimates can vary based on your exact ingredients. But per slice, you’re looking at about 180 calories, 5g fat, 28g carbs, and 6g protein. Not bad for something this delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make christmas tree bread ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and shaping in the morning. Works like a charm for holiday brunches!

How do I store leftovers? If you miraculously have any left (it disappears fast in my house!), wrap it tightly in foil and keep at room temp for 2 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in ziplock bags – they reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven.

Can I use frozen dough? You bet! Thaw frozen bread dough completely, then roll and fill as directed. The rising time might be a bit shorter since it’s already been proofed once.

Why didn’t my bread rise properly? Two likely culprits – either your yeast was old (always check expiration dates!) or your liquid wasn’t warm enough. The milk/water mix should feel like a warm bath – around 110°F.

Can kids help make this? Oh my goodness, yes! My nieces love sprinkling the cheese and “painting” on the egg wash. Just supervise the oven part. It’s become our favorite holiday activity together!

Magical 3-Ingredient Christmas Tree Bread Recipe You’ll Adore

Author: Zach
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive Christmas tree bread recipe that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. This pull-apart bread is shaped like a tree and filled with delicious flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup warm milk
1/4 cup warm water
1 egg
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup chopped herbs (parsley or rosemary)
1 egg yolk (for egg wash)

Instructions

Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
Add warm milk, water, egg, and melted butter. Knead until smooth.
Let the dough rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Roll out the dough into a large rectangle.
Sprinkle cheese and herbs evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly from the long side.
Cut the roll in half lengthwise, leaving one end intact.
Twist the two halves together to form a tree shape.
Brush with egg yolk and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can add garlic powder for extra flavor.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for best results.
Serve warm for the best texture.

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: christmas tree bread, holiday bread, pull-apart bread, festive recipe