Red Velvet Pull-Apart Bread with Sugar Cookie Frosting

Steps13

1. 1

   Step 1. Bloom the yeast

   7m 30s

   Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp of the sugar, and let bloom for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. 2

   Step 2. Mix the wet dough

   Add the melted butter (76 g), egg, egg yolk, remaining sugar, and red food coloring, and mix until combined.

3. 3

   Step 3. Add cocoa and flour

   Add the cocoa powder and 360 g of bread flour, mix, then gradually incorporate the remaining 150 g of flour until a soft dough forms.

4. 4

   Step 4. Knead the dough

   Knead until smooth and elastic, using a little olive oil on your hands and work surface as needed instead of adding too much extra flour.

5. 5

   Step 5. Let the dough rise

   1 h

   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a tea towel, and let rise somewhere warm for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

6. 6

   Step 6. Mix the cinnamon filling

   Mix warm melted butter (57 g), brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.

7. 7

   Step 7. Fill and roll the dough

   Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface.

8. 8

   Step 8. Cut and stack the strips

   Cut the dough into 3 long strips. Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut the stacked dough into 4 sections.

9. 9

   Step 9. Arrange the sections

   Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Arrange the sections upright in the pan.

10. 10

    Step 10. Let the loaf rise

    30 min

    Cover and let rise in a warm spot for approximately 30 minutes, until slightly puffed.

11. 11

    Step 11. Bake the loaf

    45 min

    Bake at 350°F for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until the center is fully baked. Loosely cover with foil once the top begins browning to prevent it from getting too dark.

    Baking time may vary depending on your loaf pan.
12. 12

    Step 12. Make the sugar cookie frosting

    Beat softened butter (113 g) and cream cheese until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cake batter extract, vanilla bean paste, and almond extract, then whip until smooth and fluffy, adjusting the powdered sugar and extracts to taste.

13. 13

    Step 13. Frost and sprinkle

    Spread over the bread once slightly cooled and finish with Christmas sprinkles.