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Vegan Pull Apart Christmas Tree

Vegan pull apart Christmas tree rolls are shaped into a festive tree, baked until golden, then brushed with garlic-herb butter. The soft, fluffy rolls are easy to share straight from the baking sheet.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
rising and resting 2 hours 3 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 56 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the dough
  • 3.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2.25 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 1.25 cup water warm, 105-110°F
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For the garlic-herb butter
  • 4 tbsp vegan butter
  • 2 cloves garlic finely grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 18x13-inch baking sheet

Method
 

Make the dough
  1. Whisk the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl.
  2. Add the warm water and olive oil, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a clean counter for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes, until doubled in size.
Assemble and proof
  1. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a tight ball.
  2. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined 18x13-inch baking sheet in centered rows of 1, 2, 3, and 4, with 2 balls beneath as the tree trunk, leaving about 1/2 inch between balls.
  3. Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy and the rolls are touching.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F during the last 15 minutes of the rise.
Make the garlic-herb butter
  1. While the rolls rise, melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, then remove from the heat.
  3. Stir in the parsley.
Bake and finish
  1. Bake for 22-27 minutes, until golden brown and a thermometer inserted into a center roll reads 190°F.
  2. Brush the warm rolls evenly with the garlic-herb butter.
  3. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For evenly baked rolls, leave about 1/2 inch between the dough balls and check the center roll for 190°F. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2 months. For a non-vegan variation, regular butter can replace the vegan butter.