Star Bread Recipe
Star bread, a delightful pull-apart treat, brings both visual appeal and incredible flavor to holiday celebrations. Its soft, brioche-like dough, layered with cinnamon-sugar filling and shaped into a stunning star, makes it an ideal centerpiece for festive gatherings. With its social media popularity and easy-to-make design, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress guests during the holiday season.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer (optional, for ease of kneading)
- Kitchen scale (optional, for precise measurements)
- Pastry brush (optional, for egg wash)
- Small round cutter (optional, for marking the center)
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- ¾ cup milk warmed (110°F/45°C)
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cardamom for extra warmth
- For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg beaten (for brushing the dough before baking)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead by hand for 10-12 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and stretchy.
- Rise the Dough:
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours or until doubled in size. Alternatively, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional cardamom.
- Shape the Star Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a 10-12 inch circle.
- Spread a layer of cinnamon-sugar filling between each dough layer, leaving the top layer bare.
- Use a 2-inch circular cutter to mark the center.
- Cut 16 strips around the circle, then twist adjacent strips away from each other to create the star shape. Pinch the ends together to form the points.
- Bake the Bread:
- Brush the shaped dough with an egg wash for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C), and the bread is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Notes
Filling Variations: Feel free to try Nutella, fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or pumpkin butter as alternative fillings.
Storage: Store leftover bread at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, soft treat.
Storage: Store leftover bread at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, soft treat.