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Star Bread Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

Star Bread is a visually stunning and deliciously soft pull-apart bread layered with butter and brown sugar, shaped into a beautiful star pattern. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion, this bread combines a tender, fluffy crumb with a sweet and buttery filling that caramelizes during baking.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 160 grams milk (2/3 cup)
  • 50 grams granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
  • 3 grams instant yeast (1 teaspoon)
  • 1 large egg
  • 50 grams softened butter (1/4 cup), cut into 1/2-inch cubes (or melted butter)
  • 310 grams all-purpose flour (2 + 1/2 cups)
  • 6 grams salt (1 teaspoon)

Filling and Topping

  • 1/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)
  • Confectioners’ sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and one large egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, softened butter cubes, and salt. Mix well with a spatula to integrate the ingredients.
  3. Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture from step one into the large bowl with dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until you form a shaggy dough with no dry flour visible, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured clean surface. Knead for about 5 minutes until it transforms from a sticky, shaggy consistency to a smooth, soft ball. Use a bit of oil or butter on your hands if the dough sticks. Proper kneading results in a dough that holds its shape and springs back when pressed.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a bowl, cover with plastic cling wrap, and let it rise at room temperature, preferably in a warmer spot, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  6. Shape the Star Bread: Once risen, gently flatten the dough. Divide it into 4 equal pieces using a bench scraper. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by cupping it in your palm and rolling in circular motions, taking under 30 seconds per piece.
  7. Roll Dough Circles: Use a rolling pin to roll each ball into approximately a 10-inch diameter circle. Place the first dough circle on a piece of parchment paper. Spread 2 tablespoons softened butter and 2 tablespoons brown sugar evenly over the surface.
  8. Layer the Dough: Stack the next dough circle on top of the first, stretching it gently to align the edges. Spread the same amount of butter and sugar on this layer. Repeat this process with the third dough circle. The top (fourth) layer remains unbuttered and unsugared.
  9. Create Center Indentation: Place a 3-inch round object (like a cookie cutter or glass rim) in the center of the stacked dough circles to press a small indent, which will form the star's center.
  10. Cut the Dough: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the dough into 16 evenly spaced strips, cutting through all layers completely.
  11. Form the Star Points: Take two adjacent strips, twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the bottom ends together to form a point. Repeat this twisting and pinching with all pairs until you form 8 points, creating the star shape.
  12. Second Rise: Loosely cover the shaped star bread with plastic cling wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until it nearly doubles in size.
  13. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  14. Egg Wash: Transfer the star bread, still on the parchment paper, onto a large half sheet baking pan. Brush the top evenly with a beaten egg to give it a glossy, golden finish.
  15. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown color.
  16. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Optionally, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar before serving for extra sweetness and a decorative touch.

Notes

  • Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • Kneading time is important to develop gluten; avoid under-kneading to achieve the best texture.
  • Use softened butter for the filling to ensure easy spreading over each dough layer.
  • The twisting technique is crucial to create the attractive star pattern and evenly distribute the filling.
  • If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the brown sugar in the filling.
  • Serving this bread slightly warm enhances its softness and flavor.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/star-bread-recipe/