Star Bread





Star Bread is not only delicious but also a showstopper in terms of presentation. Here’s a detailed recipe for you:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the Dough:

  1. Activate Yeast:
    • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
    • In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Make Dough:
    • Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
  5. Knead:
    • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  6. First Rise:
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Assemble the Star Bread:

  1. Divide and Roll:
    • Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each part into a ball.
  2. Roll Out the First Disk:
    • Roll out the first ball into a circle about 10-12 inches in diameter.
  3. Add Filling:
    • Spread a layer of softened butter on the rolled-out dough and sprinkle it with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
  4. Repeat Layers:
    • Repeat the process with the remaining three balls, stacking each rolled-out dough on top of the previous one with the filling.
  5. Create Layers:
    • You should end up with a stack of four dough circles with filling between each layer.
  6. Cut and Shape:
    • Place a small round object (like a glass or bowl) in the center of the stacked dough as a guide. With a sharp knife, cut the dough into four equal sections, leaving the center uncut.
  7. Shape the Star:
    • Take each section and twist it twice in one direction. Repeat for all four sections.
  8. Second Rise:
    • Cover the shaped star with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  9. Bake:
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the star bread for 20-25 minutes or until it’s golden brown.

Glaze and Serve:

  1. Make Glaze:
    • While the star bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Glaze the Bread:
    • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled star bread.
  3. Serve:
    • Slice and serve your beautiful and delicious Star Bread!

Enjoy the layers of flavor and the stunning design of your homemade Star Bread!