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Holiday Star Bread

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Holiday Star Bread is a stunning, pull-apart sweet bread filled with warm cinnamon sugar, making it the perfect festive centerpiece for Christmas breakfasts, holiday gatherings, or special occasions. This soft, buttery bread is as delicious as it is beautiful, and it’s easier to make than it looks!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and egg.
  3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. Knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
6. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste.

Step 3: Assemble the Star Bread
7. Divide the dough into four equal pieces and roll each into a 10-inch circle.
8. Place one dough circle on a baking sheet and spread with ⅓ of the cinnamon filling.
9. Repeat with the next two layers, spreading the filling between each.
10. Place the final dough layer on top.

Step 4: Shape the Star
11. Place a small cup in the center of the dough stack.
12. Using a sharp knife, cut 16 evenly spaced strips, starting from the edge toward the center.
13. Twist two adjacent strips outward twice, then pinch the ends together. Repeat around the dough to form an 8-point star.

Step 5: Bake
14. Brush the dough with egg wash.
15. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
16. Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Nutella Star Bread: Swap cinnamon sugar for Nutella.
  • Jam-Filled: Spread fruit preserves between layers for a fruity twist.
  • Savory Option: Use pesto and cheese instead of sweet filling.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight before shaping and baking.
  • Egg Wash Alternative: For a vegan option, use plant-based milk instead of an egg wash.

Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/holiday-star-bread/