Christmas Brunch Cinnamon Roll Centerpiece

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Place the flour in a large mixing bowl and add the butter. Use a hand chopper or pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour (Image 1). When pea-sized pieces form, add the buttermilk (Image 2) and stir until a thick dough is formed (Image 3).

Dust a work surface with flour. Turn the dough out and knead until smooth and no longer sticky. Roll the dough out using a floured rolling pin to approximately 11x17.

For the filling, brush the dough with the melted butter (Image 1). Mix together the sugars, cocoa powder and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the melted butter and spread evenly over the dough’s surface (Image 2).

Beginning at a long end, roll the dough up jelly-roll style. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 22 to 24 buns (Image 1). Transfer the rolls to a parchment-lined baking sheet (Image 2). Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly.

To make the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, heavy cream and vanilla extract in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk briskly until a thick pourable glaze forms. Spoon the glaze over the cinnamon rolls and allow them to stand until the glaze crusts, about 10 minutes.

Assemble the centerpiece just before guests arrive. Place one 9-inch cake stand in the center of your table. Place a second, smaller cake stand on top to create a tiered server (Image 1). Fill the bottom tier with cinnamon rolls (Image 2). Tuck pieces of food-safe greenery (faux or fresh) and Christmas ornaments around the cinnamon rolls.

Top the second tier with a 6-inch wreath (boxwood pictured), and cover the top with plastic wrap. Stack more cinnamon rolls on top of the plastic and add Christmas ornaments around the rolls. Tuck in any exposed pieces of the plastic wrap that may be sticking out.

Arrange more greenery around the base of the bottom cake stand, if desired. Enjoy your homemade holiday treat and all the oohs and ahhs you're sure to hear from your brunch guests.