One of the most beautiful and an amazing dessert that is simply irresistibly delightful! A light, soft and fluffy, pull-apart star bread, filled with buttery, cinnamon-sugar filling. The perfect holiday treat to enjoy with your loved ones this holidays!

Also, sharing 16 different fillings ideas, from sweet to savory star bread in this blog post.

STAR BREAD

One of the finest creations, beautiful looking star shaped bread made specially around the holidays. This soft, pull-apart bread is sweet and sticky, bursting with all the cinnamon flavors – it’s incredible!!

Baking acts as a therapeutic for me. I love baking and find it very rewarding when I see my creations come out of the oven. There’s nothing like freshly home baked goods – it’s so satisfying!

Star bread is one of the recipe, I bake every year. It has now become our family tradition of making star bread on Christmas morning. A piece of star bread, with a cup of coffee and time spent with my loved ones, is what sums up my holidays!!

I just had to share this star bread recipe with you all. Many of my readers tried my Brioche Rolls recipe, and absolutely loved it. They found instructions easy to follow and the rolls turned out amazing! So, I thought this star bread recipe would be a perfect addition to my holiday recipe collection. 

INGREDIENTS FOR STAR BREAD

2 1/2 cups (310g) all purpose flour

2/3 cup (150ml) warm milk [100*F – 110* F]

2 teaspoon (6.2g) Active Dry Yeast

2 tablespoon (25 g) sugar

1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk [reserve 1 large egg white for brushing]

1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoon (56.5g) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil, to grease the bowl

FOR BREAD FILLING

2 tablespoon (28.2g) unsalted butter, softened

4 tablespoon(50g) granulated sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 

FOR EGG WASH

1 reserved egg white plus 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk

FOR DUSTING

2 tablespoon (28.2g) unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon (8g) confectioner’s sugar

HOW TO MAKE STAR BREAD

In just 5 easy steps make a show-stopper, star bread at home!!

1. PREPARE THE DOUGH [BY HAND OR USING STAND MIXER]

2. FIRST PROOFING [TRADITIONAL OR USING INSTANT POT]

3. DIVIDE AND SHAPE THE BREAD

4. SECOND PROOFING

5. BAKE THE STAR BREAD

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STAR BREAD

STEP 1: PREPARE THE DOUGH [BY HAND OR USING STAND MIXER]

In a cup, stir in 2/3 cup of warm milk [100*F – 110* F], sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, or until it turns frothy, and doubles in volume.

Note: If the yeast is active, the mixture turns frothy, and doubles in volume. If the mixture does not double in size, start the process again with fresh yeast.

In a bowl, add flour, salt, yeast mixture, and eggs, using a spatula mix until the flour is incorporated.
Transfer the dough on a lightly floured work surface. Add softened butter, and knead the dough until it is soft, elastic, springs back when pressed, and is not sticky, around 15-20 minutes. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough for 5 minutes.

Note: If the dough feels too sticky, add some flour and if it is too dry, add 1-2 teaspoon of warm milk, and knead the dough, until it is nice, and soft.

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl.

STEP 2: FIRST PROOFING

Place the dough in a greased bowl and turn it once to grease the top.

Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel, and place it in a warm place, for 60-90 minutes or until it doubles in volume.

If using Instant Pot for proofing, place the dough in the greased inner pot, and turn it once to grease the top. Place lid, and cover the pot. Turn ON YOGURT (normal) for 1 hour.

Note: I used a glass lid that fits, to cover the inner pot.

STEP 3: DIVIDE THE DOUGH

Transfer the dough onto work surface, and punch it down. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball. Cover the dough balls with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes.

STEP 4: SHAPE THE BREAD

Line a 9*12 inch baking sheet with some parchment paper.

Lightly flour the work surface, roll the ball into a 10-inch circle. Place the rolled circle onto a baking sheet.

Apply some softened butter, sprinkle 1/3 of cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on the top, leaving about 1/4 inch of the edge of circle bare.

Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls. There will be 4 layers of dough (circles) and 3 layers of filling, leaving the top layer of dough (circle) bare.

Note: The top layer of dough has no butter or cinnamon-sugar on it.

Place around 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter or a cup in the center of a rolled dough to mark the center of the star. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 16 equal strips, starting from the edge of the cutter to the end of the circle. Cut through all the layers, leaving the center mark, as shown below:

Using both hands, grab two adjacent strips and twist them twice, away from each other (outwards). Pinch the two ends of strips together. Repeat the process with the remaining strips. Your star bread will have 8 pairs of strips.

STEP 5: SECOND PROOFING

Cover the shaped bread with a plastic wrap, and place it in a warm place for 30-45 minutes or until it becomes puffy.

Note: Lightly spray the plastic wrap (side that goes on the bread) with some cooking spray.

STEP 6: BAKE THE STAR BREAD

Pre-heat the oven to 350*F.

Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the bread with an egg wash. Bake the bread for 20-22 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Note: If the top is browning quickly, loosely tent the bread with the foil.

Remove the bread from the oven, brush with some melted butter and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Dust with some confectioner’s sugar and enjoy Star bread!!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKE AHEAD

Follow STEP 1 & STEP 2 of the recipe as discussed. After the dough has risen, punch it down to remove air bubbles, shape it into a ball, and place it in a air-tight container. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. To freeze the dough, place the dough ball in a freezer safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze it. You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. To use it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then let it sit on the kitchen counter for around 30 minutes. Punch it down, the dough is now ready to be used. Continue with STEP 3.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

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PRO TIPS FOR BEST STAR BREAD

For measuring the flour, do not scoop the flour, instead lightly fill the measuring cup with the flour, and level it with back of the spoon. See FAQ – HOW TO MEASURE FLOUR RIGHT WAY

If the yeast is active, the mixture turns frothy, and doubles in volume. If the mixture does not double in size, start the process again with fresh yeast.

Check the consistency of the dough after kneading it for 4-5 minutes. If it feels too sticky, add some flour and if it is too dry, add 1-2 teaspoon of warm milk, and knead the dough, until it is nice, and soft.

Do not over-knead the dough. As soon as the dough is soft, elastic, springs back when pressed, and is not sticky. You know the dough is kneaded well.

If using stand mixer to prepare the dough, occasionally scrap the sides of the bowl.

If using oven to proof the dough, turn on the oven light. Do not turn on the oven.

Proof the dough until it becomes double in volume, do not over proof it.

Whatever filling you choose sweet or savory, make sure it does not have too much moisture, and is not too runny. If the filling is too moist or runny, it will ooze out and make it messy.

16 STAR BREAD FILLING VARIATIONS

Sharing 16 different filling ideas from sweet to savory you can use to make this beautiful, delightful star bread at home. Feel free to add filling of your choice.

Important thing to note here is that, whatever filling you choose sweet or savory, make sure it does not have too much moisture, and is not too runny. If the filling is too moist or runny, it will ooze out and make it messy.

Secondly, do not overstuff the filling, a thin layer of filling, is all you need to add some flavor to this bread. Overly stuffed or filling that has large chunks will be difficult to shape and as a result you will not be able to achieve star shaped bread.

CINNAMON SUGAR

By far one of the most devoured flavor – Cinnamon-sugar. Easy, yet delightful filling brings out the holiday cheer. I have used this delicious cinnamon-sugar filling in this recipe.

Apply some softened butter on the circle, sprinkle 1/3 of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on the layer. Repeat this for the remaining 2 layers, leaving the top layer of dough bare.

CINNAMON SUGAR + ORANGE + CRANBERRIES

Love this combination of cranberries, orange, and cinnamon. We are so in the holiday mood 🙂 Mix 4 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoon orange zest, 3 tablespoon dried cranberries. Apply some softened butter on the circle, sprinkle 1/3 of the mixture, evenly on each layer of dough.

PUMPKIN SPICE

Love pumpkin spice? Pumpkin spice, a blend of amazing spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and all-spice, adds warmth to this recipe. You will need 4 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin spice, mix well. Brush some softened butter onto each layer of dough, sprinkle 1/3, evenly on each layer of dough.

NUTELLA

Absolute favorite! Tastes amazing on its own or as a bread filling. Spread around 1 tablespoon Nutella on each of the layer dough, leaving about 1/4 inch of the edge of the circle bare. If you find it difficult to spread it, simply microwave Nutella for few seconds to achieve spreadable consistency.

I also like to spread some homemade strawberry jam on it. Yum!!

GARLIC BUTTER

Simple and packed with garlic flavor. Love the addition of fresh garlic to this bread. Spread some softened butter on each layers, top with some fresh minced garlic and some parsley. Top it with some of your favorite cheese for a boost.

HERBED BUTTER

Fresh herbs add a ton of flavor to this bread. Love the combination of fresh herbs smeared on the bread! I love thyme and rosemary with some garlic butter, tastes amazing. Finish it off with some sea salt. You can use fresh or dried herbs of your choice such as thyme, rosemary, parsley, chives, etc.

Mix 4 tablespoon of softened butter with some fresh or dried herbs of your choice and spread this mixture evenly on the layers of dough. Sprinkle some flaky sea salt on each layer. Bon-appetit!!!

PESTO

Love the combination of pesto and some Parmesan cheese, absolutely crowd pleasing! I also like to add some walnuts for an extra crunch. You can use nuts of your choice, pine-nuts, walnuts, pecan, add a nice flavor and crunch to this bread.

Spread a thin layer of pesto on each layer of the circle, top with some Parmesan cheese and some nuts of your choice. Use thick pesto instead of thin, for more flavor.

PIZZA FILLING

Yet, another classic combination loved by all ages! Apply some softened butter on each layer of the dough. Followed by a thin layer of tomato sauce, top it with some sundried tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, chili flakes, and some mozzarella cheese.

CHEESE AND HERBS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

Ricotta cheese, with some fresh or dried herbs make a great filling. Love to top it off with some caramelized onions!

CREAMY CHEESE FILLING

Love creamy, cheesy bread? This is all cheese filling. Pick your favorite cheeses, combination of two or three or even more cheese.

FAVORITE BUTTER

Use your favorite nut butter or any butter as filling. Apple butter, pumpkin butter, peanut butter, almond butter, are a great addition.

JAM OR PRESERVE

Pick your favorite jam or preserve and use it in the recipe. Any combo you like on your sandwich can be used here as a filling.

CHOCOLATE

This one is for chocolate lovers. Love everything chocolate. Dark chocolate is my favorite and I use it in many of my recipes. This is a great way to use chocolate, simply melt some chocolate chips or grated chocolate and use it in the recipe.

CHAI SPICE

Love Chai (Indian Tea)? I could have chai anytime of the day 🙂 Inspired by my roots, here’s a great addition of filling made with all my favorite spices, I use to make chai. You will need 1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger, ground green cardamom, ground cloves, ground cinnamon. Mix all the dry spices along with 4 tablespoon of sugar. Brush each layer with some softened butter, sprinkle 1/3 mixture evenly on each layer of dough.

MITHAI (INDIAN FUDGE) FILLING

Love Indian sweets? I just had to share this one, being one of my family’s favorite mithai – badam katli (almond fudge). You will need 3 tablespoon of almond flour, 1/2 teaspoon of ground green cardamom, 4 tablespoon of sugar, mix everything together. Brush each layer with some softened butter, sprinkle 1/3 of mixture evenly on each layer of dough.

ZA’ATAR SPICE

Love Mediterranean food? Try this Zaatar spice filling savory star bread. Commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, zaatar spice is a blend of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, marjoram, along with toasted sesame seeds, dried sumac, and salt. Brush each layer of dough with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of zaatar spice blend evenly on each layer of dough.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW TO MEASURE FLOUR RIGHT WAY 

It is important to measure the flour using a right method. To avoid over-measuring, do not scoop the flour straight from the container. First loosen the flour by giving it a good stir with a spoon or a spatula. Next, spoon the flour into the measuring cup, fill the cup slightly over the rim. Now, level the flour using back of the spoon or a knife.

CONSISTENCY OF THE DOUGH

The consistency of the dough is soft, elastic, and non-sticky. When you poke the dough, it springs back and does not stick.

Check the consistency of the dough after kneading it for 4-5 minutes. If it feels too sticky, add some flour and if it is too dry, add 1-2 teaspoon of warm milk, and knead the dough, until it is nice, and soft.

HOW LONG DO YOU KNEAD DOUGH

Depending upon the method used for kneading, the time will vary. If you are using a stand mixer to knead the dough, it takes somewhere from 8-10 minutes to knead the dough. If kneading the dough by hand, it takes around 20-25 minutes for a soft, non-sticky dough.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE DOUGH IS KNEADED ENOUGH

A well kneaded dough will be soft, elastic, springs back when you poke your finger, and it won’t be sticky. If the dough does not pass this simple test, it means it needs more kneading.

Here are few ways you can tell that the dough is kneaded well:

First, it forms into a nice smooth dough, the dough will start to leave the sides of the bowl (stand mixer).

Secondly, poke a finger, and if the dough springs back, and is not sticky, the dough is kneaded well.

Lastly, you can also do a windowpane test. Take a small piece of dough, and stretch it as thin as possible. If the dough does not tear, and you can see a thin layer of dough, it means the dough is kneaded well.

WHY DO YOU KNEAD THE DOUGH

It is important to knead the dough before rising, as kneading develops the gluten in the dough. Gluten is made of long strands of protein, which makes the dough stretchy. The stretchy dough can hold the bubbles created by the yeast, thus making the dough to rise.

WHY IS MY DOUGH TOO STICKY

Too much liquid, can cause a sticky dough. Also, if you used cold, or room temperature milk, it can result in leaking of gluten’s, causing the dough to be sticky.

MY DOUGH IS TOO TIGHT

When using a stand mixer chances are that you overworked the dough. The change in composition of gluten molecules, results in a non-stretchy dough. Overworked dough often feels too tight, and tough and breaks when you try to pull, or roll.

WHY BREAD IS DENSE AND CHEWY

For a nice, soft and fluffy bread, it is important to knead the dough enough. When the dough is not kneaded enough, either using a stand mixer or by hand, the dough will lack the strength. When you make bread using this dough, chances are it will turn out chewy and quite dense in texture.

WHAT MAKES BREAD LIGHT AND SOFT

As the yeast grows, it produces gas, carbon dioxide. Depending upon how much gas is produced in the dough, the bread will turn out light and soft.

HOW TO STORE BREAD

Once the bread cools completely, place it in a Ziploc bag, or in a air-tight container. Star bread lasts for few days at room temperature.

Star bread freeze beautifully. Store it in a freezer friendly storage bags or container, and it will last for couple of months.

Defrost, reheat, and enjoy homemade Star bread.

HOW TO REHEAT BREAD

To reheat star bread, preheat the oven at 350*F. Place the bread on a baking sheet, and tent it loosely with some foil. Bake for 5-6 minutes or until warm through.

★ If you tried this recipe, I would love to hear your feedback. Please rate the recipe and/or leave a comment below.

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