Description
Star Bread is a festive, pull-apart bread featuring layers of soft, sweet dough filled with your choice of delicious fillings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate spread, or jam. Its unique star shape and golden crust make it perfect for breakfast or dessert, especially during holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/2 cup filling of choice (e.g., cinnamon sugar, chocolate spread, jam)
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and knead until a soft, smooth dough forms, about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Divide and Roll: Once risen, divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch circle.
- Assemble Layers: Place the first circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread a thin layer of your chosen filling. Top with the second circle, spread more filling, and repeat until the last layer is placed on top without additional filling.
- Cut the Star Shape: Place a small cup or round cutter in the center of the dough as a guide. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 16 equal strips radiating from the center.
- Twist the Strips: Take two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to seal. Repeat with all pairs to form an 8-point star shape.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped bread loosely and let it rise for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush and Bake: Brush the bread with melted butter and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Filling ideas include cinnamon sugar (combine 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon), Nutella, fruit preserves, or sweetened cream cheese.
- The dough can be prepared the day before and chilled overnight after the first rise for convenience.
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients and a warm environment for rising.
- Ensure the dough is rolled evenly to achieve uniform layers in the star.
