Name: Wool Roll Bread: Soft Braided Pull-Apart Yarn-Shaped Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tsp salt; Softened butter; Garlic butter; Sweet red bean paste; Chocolate spread

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 71 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a cloud-like, soft bread that also looks like a charming ball of yarn, then you’re in for a real treat with this Wool Roll Bread: Soft Braided Pull-Apart Yarn-Shaped Bread Recipe. This beautiful, delicately sweet bread is as fun to make as it is to eat, offering a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for holidays, special moments, or any time you want to impress with homemade charm. The braided, pull-apart design makes sharing irresistible, and the soft crumb will have you reaching for just one more piece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four steps of making a wrapped dough dish. The first part has five round, smooth, light beige dough balls placed inside a silver bowl on a white marbled surface. The second part shows one dough ball rolled out flat into an oval shape with a smooth light beige texture on a wooden board. The third part shows the same oval dough with long, even vertical strips cut from the bottom half, leaving the top half whole, on the wooden board dusted with flour. The last part shows a filling wrapped by crossing the dough strips over it, creating a wrapped, lattice look with the filling partially visible inside, on the wooden board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Wool Roll Bread is refreshingly straightforward. The ingredients are simple staples that work together to create a soft, tender crumb and golden crust, with options to customize the flavor with your favorite filling. Each ingredient plays a key role, so let’s take a quick look before you gather them up.

All-purpose flour (3 ½ cups): The foundation of the dough, giving it structure and softness.
Active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp): Essential for that irresistible rise and airy texture.
Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Provides a gentle sweetness and helps with browning.
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, softened): Adds richness and keeps the bread moist.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and enriches the texture.
Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Optional fillings: Choose softened butter, garlic butter, sweet red bean paste, or chocolate spread to make it uniquely yours.

How to Make Wool Roll Bread: Soft Braided Pull-Apart Yarn-Shaped Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by combining the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast, signaled by a foamy surface within 5 to 10 minutes. It’s like the yeast saying, “I’m ready to make your bread fluffy!”

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Next, stir in the softened butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix these ingredients until they’re combined into a shaggy dough. This step sets the foundation for the texture you’ll love.

Step 3: Knead to Perfection

Gradually add the remaining flour to bring the dough together, then knead on a clean surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten, ensuring your Wool Roll Bread has that signature soft yet sturdy pull-apart texture.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This rise is where the magic of bread making happens—the dough puffs up, getting ready for shaping.

Step 5: Shape the Yarn Rolls

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 5 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle and spread your choice of filling lightly over the surface. Cut thin strips halfway through the dough rectangle, then roll each piece from the solid end to create that beautiful wool-like roll. Handle with care so the cuts stay shallow and neat.

Step 6: Arrange and Final Rise

Arrange your rolls seam-side down in a greased round pan, positioning them in a circle like the strands of yarn coming together. Cover the pan and let the dough rise for another 30 to 40 minutes until puffy and inviting.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your Wool Roll Bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and deliciously fragrant. For an extra touch of softness and sheen, brush the warm bread with melted butter right after baking. Let it cool slightly before diving into this braided, pull-apart indulgence.

How to Serve Wool Roll Bread: Soft Braided Pull-Apart Yarn-Shaped Bread Recipe

A round bread ring with a golden brown crust sits on a white speckled oval plate, with two thick slices removed and placed next to it showing the soft, light beige inner texture with swirls of green herbs inside. The texture of the bread is fluffy and smooth, and the crust has a slightly shiny surface with thin lines from baking. One slice is also shown on a white bowl beside the plate. The background is a white marbled surface with soft natural light casting gentle shadows, enhancing the warm colors of the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness or brush with extra melted butter infused with herbs for savory occasions. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar can also complement the warm, tender crumb wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Pair this bread with a bowl of hot soup or a rich stew to soak up delicious flavors. It’s also fantastic alongside a fresh salad or as a base for open-faced sandwiches, letting the bread’s tender softness shine through.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Wool Roll Bread as a centerpiece on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of assorted spreads like honey, jam, or cream cheese. Pull apart each strand and share the joy of this yarn-shaped beauty with friends and family—watch as everyone marvels at both the looks and taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Wool Roll Bread fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays soft and lovely for 2 to 3 days, making it perfect for quick snacks or breakfast treats.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bread later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw it at room temperature for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked softness, warm the bread in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15 to 20 seconds. This quick reheat will revive the bread’s tender texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour for Wool Roll Bread?

While all-purpose flour is best for that soft, tender texture, you can substitute part of it with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind the bread may be denser and less fluffy, but it will add a lovely nuttiness.

What filling do you recommend for a first-time baker?

Starting with softened butter or a sweet red bean paste is a great introduction. Both add flavor without making shaping tricky, allowing you to enjoy the unique texture and look of this bread.

How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature—it should read around 190°F (88°C) for perfect doneness.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with a dairy-free spread. Just ensure the milk is warm enough for yeast activation.

Why does the dough need to be kneaded for so long?

Kneading develops gluten, which gives the dough structure and elasticity. This step is crucial for achieving the soft, pull-apart texture that makes the Wool Roll Bread so delightful.

Final Thoughts

This Wool Roll Bread: Soft Braided Pull-Apart Yarn-Shaped Bread Recipe is a heartfelt way to bring warmth and charm to your table. Once you try this gorgeous, soft bread, the delightful process and the mouthwatering results will make it a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making something truly special that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!