Cinnamon Star Bread
Transforming a simple cinnamon roll dough into a stunning star or snowflake-shaped creation known as Star Bread is a delightful culinary endeavor inspired by European tradition. With countless variations to explore, this classic rendition is both striking and surprisingly simple to craft. Prepare to be amazed by the ease with which this beautiful masterpiece comes together!
Dough Recipe:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons salted butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/4 cup salted butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Dough Recipe:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and eggs. Add in flour. Use a dough hook and turn on to a low speed.
- Once the flour starts to incorporate into the dough, increase the speed to medium. Add more flour as necessary so that the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough mixture should be soft and tacky, but not stick to your hands.
- Add more or less flour until the dough reaches the desired consistency. The amount of flour you add in bread making is always an approximation and you should go by feel.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased mixing bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shaping and Baking Instructions:
- Take dough and divide into 4 even pieces. Roll each piece into a large circle, roughly the width of your baking sheet.
- Lay one circle down onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Spread 1-2 tablespoons softened butter on top in an even layer, leaving 1/4 inch around the edge of the circle. In a small bowl, stir together cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle 1/3 of the mixture over the top of the butter.
- Continue layering with the remaining pieces, but leave the top 4th and final dough piece plain.
- Use a small 2-inch bowl to mark the center (or eyeball it) and then use a knife to cut 16 equal strands, leaving the small circle in the center.
- Take two of the strands and twist in opposite directions, 2-3 times, and then pinch the edges shut to seal. Continue twisting pieces together until all pieces are twisted and you have a large star shape.
- Bake immediately (no rising) in a 350 degree F oven for 20-25 minutes. Once cooled, serve plain, frost with your favorite frosting, or dust with powdered sugar.