Delicious Cinnamon Star Bread Recipe
Have you ever wanted to impress your guests with a stunning dessert that’s also easy to make? This cinnamon star bread is a showstopper that looks complicated but is surprisingly simple to put together. The warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will make everyone feel right at home. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Imagine pulling apart soft, fluffy layers of dough, each one filled with a sweet cinnamon mixture that melts in your mouth. This bread isn’t just about how it looks; it’s about the delightful balance of flavors and textures. The flaky exterior combined with the gooey filling makes for a truly satisfying treat.
Whether served as a breakfast centerpiece or an afternoon snack, this cinnamon star bread is the perfect way to add a touch of warmth and sweetness to any gathering. It’s a recipe that invites you to share and connect over the love of good food.
The Allure of Cinnamon Star Bread
Cinnamon star bread is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also a feast for the eyes. The intricate star shape immediately draws attention, making it a fitting centerpiece for any gathering.
This bread beautifully combines the warmth of cinnamon with the invigorating scent of freshly baked dough. Its enticing appearance, complete with golden-brown edges, invites everyone to partake in its delightful layers.
Understanding the Components
The base of this bread is a soft, buttery dough that provides a tender texture complemented by a rich cinnamon sugar filling. Each layer is crafted to create a light and airy experience, making every pull apart a delightful moment.
The contrast between the flaky crust and the gooey interior ensures that every bite offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. This balance is what makes cinnamon star bread a popular choice for both special occasions and everyday gatherings.
Creating the Perfect Dough
Making the dough is a straightforward process that involves a few essential ingredients, including flour, yeast, and eggs. The activation of yeast is a critical step, as it helps the dough rise, resulting in that soft and fluffy texture everyone loves.
Once combined and kneaded, the dough should rest until it doubles in size. This patience allows the flavors to develop and the texture to become airy, setting the stage for the delightful layers to follow.
Crafting the Cinnamon Filling
The cinnamon filling is where the magic happens. A blend of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a rich mixture that seeps into the layers of dough, infusing every piece with sweet warmth.
When rolled and layered, this filling not only adds flavor but also visual appeal, with swirls of cinnamon peeking through the golden crust. It’s the heart of the bread, making each pull apart a delightful surprise.
The Art of Shaping
Shaping the star bread is a joyful process that allows for creativity. After layering the dough with filling, the top layer is cut into equal sections, and each segment is twisted to create the star shape.
This step is not only about aesthetics; it also helps to fully incorporate the filling throughout the bread. The result is a stunning display that is as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat.
Final Touches and Serving Suggestions
Once baked to a golden perfection, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a final flourish, enhancing its visual appeal and hinting at the sweetness within. The aroma wafting through the kitchen is sure to attract everyone’s attention.
When it comes to serving, tearing apart the layers to reveal the cinnamon filling creates a sense of sharing and togetherness. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a midday snack, this cinnamon star bread is an inviting addition to any meal or gathering.
A Festive and Flavorful Cinnamon Star Bread Recipe
This cinnamon star bread features layers of buttery dough interspersed with a rich cinnamon sugar filling. The bread is light and airy, with a delightful sweetness that makes it irresistible. Perfectly baked, it offers a golden brown crust with a soft and tender crumb.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into four equal parts. Roll out the first piece into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
- Layer the Dough: Place the first circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a portion of the cinnamon filling over the dough. Repeat with the remaining pieces, layering them with filling in between, but do not add filling on the top layer.
- Shape the Bread: Place a glass or cup in the center of the top layer as a guide. Cut the outer edge of the dough into 16 equal sections, stopping at the cup. Remove the cup and twist each section towards the outside to create a star shape.
- Final Rise: Cover the star bread with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Brush the top of the bread with the beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Tear apart and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories: 210kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
