How to make Star Bread - Recipe Video

Star Bread recipe: A light, soft and fluffy, pull-apart star bread, filled with buttery, cinnamon-sugar filling. One of the most beautiful and amazing desserts that are simply irresistibly delightful!

The perfect holiday treat to enjoy with your loved ones this holiday! In this blog post, you will find 16 different fillings ideas, from sweet to savory star bread.

Jump to:

• What is Star Bread
• Star Bread Recipe Ingredients
• How to Make Star Bread - Video
• Instructions for make ahead
• How to store the Star Bread?
• Pro Tips for the Star Bread recipe
• 16 Star Bread Filling Ideas
• How to Measure Flour the Right Way? 
• Common Questions about the dough
• More Bread Recipes
• How to make Star Bread

What is Star Bread

One of the finest creations, beautiful looking star-shaped bread made especially 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 recipes, 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 loved it. They found instructions easy to follow and the rolls turned out amazing! So, I thought this Christmas star bread recipe would be a perfect addition to my holiday recipe collection. 

Star Bread Recipe Ingredients

For the dough:

• all-purpose flour
• lukewarm milk
• active dry yeast
• sugar
• large egg plus 1 large egg yolk (reserve 1 large egg white for brushing)
• vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
• salt
• unsalted butter
• oil

For the bread filling:

• unsalted butter
• granulated sugar
• ground cinnamon 

For the egg wash:

• reserved egg white
• milk

For the dusting (topping):

• unsalted butter
• confectioner's sugar

Pic Shown: Christmas star bread

How to Make Star Bread - Video

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

1. Prepare the dough [By hand or using a Stand Mixer]
2. First proofing [Traditional or using Instant Pot]
3. Divide and shape the bread
4. Second proofing
5. Bake the star bread

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a cup, stir in ⅔ 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 to 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 teaspoons 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 the 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 a 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 them 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, and roll the ball into a 10-inch circle. Place the rolled circle onto a baking sheet.

Apply some softened butter, sprinkle ⅓ of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on the top, leaving about ¼ inch of the edge of the 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 ½ 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 the 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 (the 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 the 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!!

Pic Shown: 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 an 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.

How to store the Star Bread?

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

Star bread freeze beautifully. Store it in a freezer-friendly storage bag or container, and it will last for a couple of months. Defrost, reheat, and enjoy homemade Star bread.

To reheat star bread, preheat the oven to 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.

Pro Tips for the Star Bread recipe

For measuring the flour, do not scoop the flour, instead, lightly fill the measuring cup with the flour, and level it with the back of the spoon. See – 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 teaspoons 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 a stand mixer to prepare the dough, occasionally scrape the sides of the bowl.

If using the 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 overproof 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 Ideas

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

The 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.

Pic Shown: Christmas star bread

Cinnamon Sugar

By far one of the most devoured flavors - 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 to the circle, sprinkle ⅓ 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 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of orange zest, and 3 tablespoons of dried cranberries. Apply some softened butter to the circle, sprinkle ⅓ 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 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin spice, mix well. Brush some softened butter onto each layer of dough, sprinkle ⅓, evenly on each layer of dough.

Nutella

Absolute favorite! Tastes amazing on its own or as a bread filling. Spread around 1 tablespoon of Nutella on each layer of dough, leaving about ¼ inch of the edge of the circle bare. If you find it difficult to spread it, simply microwave Nutella for a few seconds to achieve a 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 layer, 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 tablespoons 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, and 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 to 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, makes 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, a combination of two or three, or even more cheese.

Favorite Butter

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

Jam or Preserve

Pick your favorite jam, apple cranberry chutney, pie filling, 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 any time of the day 🙂 Inspired by my roots, here's a great addition of filling made with all my favorite spices, which I use to make chai. You will need ¼ teaspoon each of ground ginger, ground green cardamom, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Mix all the dry spices along with 4 tablespoons of sugar. Brush each layer with some softened butter, and sprinkle ⅓ mixture evenly on each layer of dough.

Mithai (Indian Sweets)

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 tablespoons of almond flour, ½ teaspoon of ground green cardamom, and 4 tablespoons of sugar, mix everything. Brush each layer with some softened butter, and sprinkle ⅓ of the mixture evenly on each layer of dough.

Zaatar Spice

Love Mediterranean food? Try this Zaatar spice-filling savory Christmas star bread. Commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, zaatar spice is a blend of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, and 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.

How to Measure Flour the Right Way? 

It is important to measure the flour using the right method. To avoid over-measuring, do not scoop the flour straight from the container.

1. First, loosen the flour by giving it a good stir with a spoon or a spatula.
2. Next, spoon the flour into the measuring cup, and fill the cup slightly over the rim.
3. Now, level the flour using the back of the spoon or a knife.

Common Questions about the dough

This sections covers questions regarding the bread dough. The consistency of the dough, how long to knead the dough, the dough is sticky or dense.

What is the 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 teaspoons of warm milk, and knead the dough, until it is nice and soft.

How long do you knead the 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 you know if the dough is kneaded enough?

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

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

1. First, it forms into a nice smooth dough, the dough will start to leave the sides of the bowl (stand mixer).
2. Secondly, poke a finger, and if the dough springs back, and is not sticky, the dough is kneaded well.
3. 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 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 glutens, causing the dough to be sticky.

Why is my dough too tight?

When using a stand mixer chances are that you overworked the dough. The change in the 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 is Star Bread 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 strength. When you make bread using this dough, chances are it will turn out chewy and quite dense in texture.

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

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