Description
Star Bread is a beautiful, pull-apart sweet bread made with soft enriched dough and layered with cinnamon sugar. Twisted into a star shape, this impressive yet simple treat is perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- For the Filling (Cinnamon Sugar):
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional for Finishing:
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes if using active dry yeast until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, egg, and softened butter. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a 10-inch circle.
- Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with 1/3 of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Repeat with the next two layers, ending with the fourth dough circle on top (no filling on top layer).
- Place a small glass in the center as a guide. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 16 equal strips from the edge of the glass to the edge of the dough.
- Take two strips and twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together. Repeat until a star shape is formed with 8 points.
- Cover the shaped dough and let it rest for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the star bread with egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Use Nutella, jam, or fruit preserves instead of cinnamon sugar for different fillings.Rest the dough for 5–10 minutes if it resists rolling—this relaxes the gluten.Make ahead by refrigerating the dough overnight after the first rise.For savory versions, try fillings like pesto, cheese, or garlic butter.Freeze baked star bread for up to 1 month; reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
