The embedment strength for design of connections in cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures is usually based on an extensive experimental study. In the research presented herein, a spring model is presented that takes into consideration the embedment properties of each layer to predict strength and stiffness of the nonlinear embedment behaviour of dowels in CLT. To gain input data for the spring model, experimental load-displacement data for various timber products, namely glulam, structural timber and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), were analysed. A nonlinear embedment ratio, defined as the embedment stress parallel to the grain with respect to the embedment stress perpendicular to the grain, was derived. Thereafter, this embedment ratio was used to back-calculate the embedment stress-displacement behaviour of single layers in CLT. The back-calculated embedment stress for single layers loaded parallel and perpendicular to the grain was then compared to embedment stress of glued laminated timber and to the Eurocode 5 equations. A good correlation was found for CLT with common layer thicknesses of higher than 20 mm, while for CLT with smaller layer thicknesses a considerable overestimation of the embedment stress was observed. This might be explained by reinforcement and strengthening effects in the interface between the layers, which gets more evident in CLT with small layer thickness. From the study it was evident that it is possible to predict the embedment behaviour of CLT by application of the herein proposed spring model to CLT with common layer thickness. Furthermore, the potential of the spring model for an enhanced design of CLT connections, by consideration of the CLT layup, was demonstrated in a parametric study. © WCTE 2021. All rights reserved.