Star bread is a stunning, delicious bread with a soft texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Shaped like a star, this bread is perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. Whether filled with cinnamon sugar or savory fillings, this versatile bread will surely impress at any gathering.
You’ll Love This Star Bread
This star bread recipe is not only visually striking, but it also tastes amazing! The soft, fluffy bread has layers of sweet or savory goodness, making it perfect for both breakfast and dessert. The process of making star bread is also fun, as the dough is twisted to form an intricate star pattern. This recipe is inspired by traditional starbread techniques, giving you a stunning loaf that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this show-stopping star bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Filling options (cinnamon sugar, Nutella, pesto, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your star bread masterpiece:
Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast.
Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Make the dough for star bread:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the melted butter, warm milk, egg, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment.
First rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Divide the dough for star bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into four equal parts. Roll each portion into a circle about 10 inches in diameter.
Layer the dough:
Place one circle of dough on a lined baking sheet. Spread your filling of choice (cinnamon sugar, Nutella, etc.) over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Repeat with the next two layers of dough, spreading the filling between each. Place the final circle of dough on top.
Shape the star:
Place a small glass or round cookie cutter in the center of the dough stack to mark the middle. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 equal strips, starting from the glass and cutting outward. Twist two adjacent strips away from each other, then pinch the ends together to form a point. Repeat with all strips to form an 8-point star.
Second rise:
Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake the star bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Brush the top of the star bread with melted butter and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and serve:
Let the star bread cool slightly before dusting it with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy your beautiful starbread!
Serving Suggestions
This star bread recipe is versatile and can be served with both sweet and savory fillings. For a sweet version, try filling it with Nutella or cinnamon sugar and serve it for breakfast or dessert. For a savory option, use pesto or cheese and enjoy it as an appetizer or alongside dinner. This bread is perfect for holiday gatherings, special events, or weekend brunches.
How to Store Star Bread
To keep your star bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven for a few minutes.
Additional Tips for Star Bread
- Filling variations: Experiment with different fillings such as Nutella, raspberry jam, or garlic butter for a unique twist.
- Substitutions: You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture will be slightly denser.
- Troubleshooting: If your dough isn’t rising, check the temperature of your liquid ingredients; they should be warm but not too hot. Yeast thrives at around 110°F (43°C).
Star Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Filling options
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Activate the yeast.
- Make the dough and knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours.
- Divide and roll the dough into 4 circles.
- Layer the dough with filling.
- Cut and twist the dough into a star shape.
- Let the dough rise again.
- Brush with butter and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Calories: 240 per serving
