Star Bread

Star Bread is a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Soft, buttery layers with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling make this festive bread perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weekends.

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Servings

Prep Time

2 hours

Cook Time

25 minutes

Recipe by

Olive & Whisk

For the Dough

3 ¼ cups (390g)	all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50g)	granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet)	instant yeast
½ tsp	salt
¾ cup (180ml)	warm milk (110°F/43°C)
¼ cup (60g)	Plugrà unsalted butter, melted
1	large egg

For the Filling

¼ cup (50g)	granulated sugar
1 tsp	ground cinnamon
2 tbsp (30g)	Plugrà unsalted butter, melted

For the Topping

1	egg, beaten
	powdered sugar, for finishing

1	Make the Dough
2	Combine the yeast and warm milk in a small bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.
3	In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
4	Add the milk mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough ball forms.
5	Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
6	Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
7	Prepare the Filling
8	Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
9	Melt the butter and set aside.
10	Assemble the Star Bread
11	Punch down the risen dough and divide it into four equal pieces.
12	Roll each piece into a 10-inch circle.
13	Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
14	Repeat the process with the second and third circles, layering the filling. Place the final circle on top without adding filling.
15	Use a 2½-inch cookie cutter to lightly mark the center.
16	Cut the dough into 16 equal strips from the edge of the center mark to the edge of the dough.
17	Take two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to form a point. Repeat with the remaining strips to create an eight-pointed star.
18	Final Rise and Bake
19	Cover the star bread and let it rise for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
20	Brush the star bread with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
21	Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
22	Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
23	To reheat bread, tent with foil and warm in a 300°F oven.