step one, prepare the sponge mixture

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir well and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This will activate the yeast and start the fermentation process.

step two, Add the rest of dough ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl or your stand mixer bowl, add milk, butter, salt, flour, and milk powder (optional). Then, add the sponge or yeast mixture.

step three, knead the dough

1. Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Once combined, increase the speed and knead the dough on medium speed for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

step four, first proof

1. Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it proof for 1h 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This step is important to achieve the light, fluffy texture of your pull-apart Christmas garlic bread.

step five, Stuff the Dough with Cheese

1. Once the dough has proofed, punch it down gently and divide it into 16 equal portions. Flatten each piece of dough and stuff with mozzarella or your preferred cheese. Seal the dough tightly to keep the cheese inside while baking.

step six, second proof

1. Arrange the stuffed dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree on a lined baking sheet. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow it to proof for 30 more minutes. Preheat the oven at 350ºF (175ºF)

step seven, apply the egg wash

1. Beat an egg and brush it over the dough tree. This step will give your garlic bread a golden, glossy finish and enhance the look of your Christmas pull-apart garlic bread.

step eight, bake the Christmas tree bread

1. Bake the bread at 350ºF (175ºC) in a preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. This ensures your Christmas bread is perfectly baked.

step nine, brush with garlic butter

1. After the bread is baked, immediately brush it with a mixture of garlic butter (melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley) to add rich flavor and a beautiful glossy, bake for 1 or two more minutes.

step ten, decorate your Christmas tree

1. Decorate your pull-apart Christmas tree garlic bread by adding cranberries for ornaments, rosemary for tree branches, and Parmesan cheese to create a snowy look.