A beautifully festive and buttery pull-apart bread, Holiday Star Bread is soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet cinnamon-sugar layers. It’s as delicious as it is stunning, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Origin of Holiday Star Bread
Holiday Star Bread is inspired by European sweet breads, particularly Eastern European and Scandinavian traditions, where braided and shaped breads are a staple during festive seasons. The intricate star shape is created by layering and twisting dough, similar to Italian Panettone or Finnish Pulla.
What I Love About This Recipe
This bread is not only a showstopper but also easy to make. I love how soft and pillowy the dough turns out, and the cinnamon-sugar filling caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Plus, it’s fun to shape, and the result is a stunning holiday centerpiece that everyone can tear and enjoy together!
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Holiday Star Bread
Course: Recipes8
servings30
minutes15
minutes360
kcalIngredients
3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
½ tsp salt
¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Directions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until combined.
- Shape the star bread:
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
- Roll out one piece into a 10-inch (25 cm) circle and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread ⅓ of the filling evenly over the dough.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough layers, placing the last one on top without filling.
- Place a small round object (like a glass) in the center. Cut the dough into 16 equal strips, leaving the center intact.
- Twist two adjacent strips away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to form an eight-point star.
- Second rise: Cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish: Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Flavor variations: Swap cinnamon-sugar for Nutella, jam, or a cream cheese filling.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dough and shape the star the night before, then refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
