Star Bread is a visually stunning, decadent tasting sweet bread, that will be the talk of the table. Whether it's for the holidays or a special occasion this eye-pleasing, mouth-watering bread is the way to go.
Prep Time45 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Resting time1 hourhr20 minutesmins
Total Time2 hourshrs35 minutesmins
Course: Bread, Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas star bread, christmas star bread recipe, christmas twisted star bread, star bread, star bread recipe, twisted star bread
Add 1 cup whole milk to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and add 4 tablespoons cubed unsalted butter to the hot milk, stirring until the butter melts completely. Pour the hot milk mixture into a stand mixer bowl and set it aside to cool to below 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the milk mixture is cool enough, stir in 2 teaspoon instant yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Add 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to a medium bowl and whisk to combine.. Transfer the flour mixture to the stand mixer bowl with the milk mixture, and knead with the dough hook on speed 2 for about 7 - 10 minutes. The dough should start pulling away from the side of the bowl.
Oil a glass bowl and your hands. Scrape the dough out of the mixing bowl and shape it into a ball, then place it in the oiled bowl. Cover the bowl and let rise in a warm place for 1 - 2 hours until the dough has doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4 equal portions. Shape into balls.
Roll one dough ball out into a circle about 9-10 inches in diameter. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and spread 2 tablespoons of the 6 tablespoons apple butter evenly over it. Roll another dough ball out to the same size as the first one and place it on top, spread another 2 tablespoons of apple butter over it. Repeat for the 3rd and 4th dough balls, leaving the top free of apple butter. You should end up with 4 layers of dough and 3 layers of apple butter.
Mark a 3-inch circle in the middle with the back of a round cookie cutter or a cup. Cut the dough into 16 sections, leaving the 3-inch circle in the middle untouched.
Twist two sections away from each other and press the end together to form the star point. You should end up with 8-star points. Cover and let rise for about 20 minutes.
Make an egg wash by beating 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon milk in a small bowl. Lightly brush the egg wash over the top of the bread with a pastry brush. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Updated on December 1, 2021Originally Posted on December 15, 2020