1-First Step: Prepare your dough and filling. First Step: Prepare the cinnamon roll dough and let it rise until doubled in size. If you are using a homemade dough, follow your recipe for an enriched dough with eggs, milk, and butter. Make sure the dough has doubled in a warm place; this usually takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on room temperature. While the dough is rising, mix the filling: combine 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl and whisk to combine.

2-Second Step: Shape the rounds. Second Step: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each into approximately 8-inch circles on a lightly floured surface. You want thin, even rounds so the snowflake layers laminate neatly. Transfer one dough circle to a parchment-lined baking sheet and keep the others nearby covered with a towel to prevent drying.

3-Third Step: Layer the butter and cinnamon sugar. Third Step: Spread 2 tablespoons softened salted butter evenly over the first dough circle. Sprinkle about 3 heaping tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter, pressing it lightly so the filling sticks. Repeat this layering with the second and third dough circles each gets butter and the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The fourth dough circle is placed on top with no butter or filling; this top layer keeps the center tidy.

4-Fourth Step: Cut and twist into the snowflake. Fourth Step: To mark the center, place a small metal cookie cutter in the middle as a guide; this prevents accidental cutting all the way through. Cut the layered dough into 4 equal pieces, then cut each piece in half for 8 sections, and halve each again for a total of 16 sections. Working with two adjacent sections at a time, grab them and twist away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to create a decorative twist. Repeat around the circle until you have a complete snowflake.

5-Fifth Step: Proofing and baking. Fifth Step: Lightly brush the entire snowflake with 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream to help achieve a golden bake. Cover with a warm towel and let rise while you preheat the oven to 350°F. The snowflake should puff slightly about 20 to 30 minutes before baking. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden brown and the center is cooked through. If the outer edges brown too quickly, tent with foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.

6-Final Step: Frosting and serving. Final Step: While the snowflake bakes or cools briefly, make the frosting. Beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with 3 tablespoons softened salted butter, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. You can either frost the snowflake with about half the frosting or dust with powdered sugar and serve the remaining frosting on the side for dipping. Serve warm so pieces pull apart with gooey, layered centers. This recipe serves 8 to 10 people.