Christmas Tree Bread

Christmas Tree Bread
Michelle (MMmom) from The Twelve Teas of Christmas

This recipe makes two trees. It can be halved if needed.

2 packages active dry yeast
½ c warm water
1 ¼ c buttermilk
½ c sugar
2 eggs
2 t baking powder
2 t salt
5 ½ c flour
½ c butter, softened

For icing (two trees)
2 c powdered sugar
2-3 T milk
1 t vanilla
(icing can be tinted with food coloring)

Dissolve yeast in warm water in large mixing bowl. Add buttermilk, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, salt, and 2 ½ cups of flour. Beat on low speed, scraping the bowl constantly, for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, for 2 minutes.

Stir in remaining flour. Dough will be soft and slightly sticky. (If dough is not coming together, add a small amount of flour and mix.) Turn dough onto a well-floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.

Divide dough in half to form two trees. Shape each half into 18 balls. Form tree shape with balls in rows of 5, 4, 3, 3, 1 on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Roll remaining two balls together for trunk of tree. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.

Bake at 350 until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet carefully and cool.

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together. More milk can be added if icing is stiff. Decorate the trees with icing. Trim with candied fruit, nuts, sprinkles, etc.