Cinnamon Star Bread

by

Cinnamon Star Bread is a show-stopping, festive delight that combines warm, spiced flavors with an impressive, intricate design. This beautiful, pull-apart bread features layers of soft, fluffy dough filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture, all shaped into a stunning star pattern. Perfect for holiday gatherings, brunch spreads, or cozy weekend breakfasts, it offers both a visual centerpiece and a delightful burst of sweet, aromatic goodness in every bite.

I first made Cinnamon Star Bread for a Christmas brunch, and it quickly became the centerpiece of our table. The intricate star shape not only looked stunning but also showcased how effortlessly the bread could be pulled apart into individual servings. The warm cinnamon filling paired with the fluffy dough created a heavenly combination of textures and flavors.

What I love about this recipe is its versatility and creativity. You can customize it by adding raisins, chopped nuts, or even a touch of orange zest for a citrus twist. Drizzle it with a simple icing glaze or dust it with powdered sugar for that extra festive sparkle. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee, shared at a holiday gathering, or gifted as a homemade treat, Cinnamon Star Bread is a delightful, warm, and visually stunning addition to any special occasion or brunch table.

Perfect for:

  • Breakfast or brunch gatherings
  • Holiday celebrations (Christmas, New Year)
  • Family gatherings
  • Potlucks
  • Cinnamon lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Cinnamon Star Bread will become your new favorite treat:

  • Stunning Presentation: Its beautiful star shape makes this bread a centerpiece-worthy delight.
  • Aromatic Spices: The rich, warm cinnamon flavor provides a comforting and irresistible experience.
  • Soft and Flaky Dough: The dough is tender and buttery, offering a delightful texture contrast.
  • Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: A subtle sweetness complements the earthy warmth of cinnamon.
  • Easy to Customize: Add raisins, walnuts, or a drizzle of icing for extra flair.
  • Ideal for Special Occasions: A show-stopping centerpiece for Christmas, birthdays, or brunches.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough a day in advance to save time.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together to create magic.
  • Great for Sharing: A bread that’s as fun to make as it is to share with friends and family.
  • Versatile Uses: Serve with coffee, tea, or milk for a perfect breakfast or brunch pairing.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 3 hours (including proofing and baking)
  • Preparation Time: 1.5 hours
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Proofing Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 8-10 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Carbs: 45g, Fat: 8g, Protein: 7g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

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

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Optional Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • A drizzle of icing

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm and comforting flavor, creating the heart of the bread.
  • Butter: Ensures a rich, flaky texture in the dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
  • Yeast: Creates a fluffy and airy dough that’s perfect for a star bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Proof the Dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it proof in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:

  1. Mix Cinnamon Filling: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until well blended.

Shape the Star Bread:

  1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
  2. Layer with Cinnamon Filling: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough circle.
  3. Assemble the Layers: Place another dough circle on top and press the edges together. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 16 equal strips radiating from the center.
  4. Form the Star Shape: Take two strips, twist them together, and fold them to create the star shape. Continue twisting and folding each pair until you form a complete star.

Bake the Bread:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake: Place the star bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
  3. Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Optional Garnish:

  1. Dust with Sugar: Sprinkle powdered sugar on top or drizzle icing for a decorative finish.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cinnamon Star Bread:

  • For Breakfast: Serve warm slices with coffee or milk.
  • At Brunch Buffets: A show-stopping centerpiece for brunch tables.
  • Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for Christmas morning or New Year’s brunch.
  • With a Hot Beverage: Pair it with tea, cocoa, or hot espresso.
  • As a Gift: Wrap in parchment paper and share it with friends and family.
  • For Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: Adds an extra touch of decadence.
  • With Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter for a delightful twist.
  • With Fresh Fruit: Add slices of bananas or berries for a fresh pairing.
  • Mini Star Variants: Create mini star bread versions for a bite-sized treat.

Additional Tips

  • Temperature Accuracy: Use a thermometer to ensure milk is at the perfect warm temperature for yeast activation.
  • Resting the Dough: Allow sufficient proofing time to ensure fluffy bread layers.
  • Sharp Cuts for Shape: Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts and maintain the star shape.
  • Butter Softening for Filling: Ensure the butter is soft enough to blend seamlessly with the cinnamon and sugar.

Recipe Variations

  • Nutty Cinnamon Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture.
  • Apple Cinnamon Filling: Mix diced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar for an extra fruity twist.
  • Chocolate Cinnamon Bread: Add chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling.
  • Orange Zest Twist: Include orange zest in the filling for a citrusy note.
  • Raisin Addition: Add raisins for a chewy texture and added sweetness.

Special Equipment

  • Rolling Pin: For rolling out dough evenly.
  • Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: Ensures a clean baking surface.
  • Kitchen Towel: For covering dough during proofing.
  • Sharp Pizza Cutter or Knife: For precise cutting of dough strips.
  • Cooling Rack: For cooling the baked bread evenly.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen dough instead of fresh dough?
    Yes, thaw it completely before using to get the best results.
  2. How long does the bread last?
    Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  3. Can I freeze Cinnamon Star Bread?
    Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
  4. Is it possible to add cream cheese filling?
    Absolutely! Mix cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon for a decadent filling twist.
  5. Can I make the bread without cinnamon?
    Yes, try other spices like nutmeg or ginger for unique variations.
  6. How do I prevent the dough from being too sticky?
    Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.
  7. Is this bread suitable for brunch tables?
    Yes, it’s visually impressive and perfect for sharing.
  8. How can I make it vegan?
    Use almond milk instead of milk and coconut butter as a substitute.
  9. What if I don’t have a sharp knife for cutting dough?
    A pizza cutter works just as well for even and clean slicing.
  10. Can I include other flavors like cocoa or fruit?
    Yes! Customize it with cocoa powder, apples, raisins, or nuts for endless variations.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Star Bread is a stunning, show-stopping holiday centerpiece that combines beautiful artistry with mouth-watering flavor. This impressive bread features layers of soft, fluffy dough filled with a rich, spiced cinnamon-sugar mixture, all twisted and shaped into a mesmerizing star pattern. The result is a visually breathtaking and irresistibly delicious treat that’s perfect for brunches, holiday tables, or special gatherings.

Each bite offers a delightful combination of warm cinnamon goodness, buttery softness, and a hint of sweetness, making it a delightful crowd-pleaser. You can drizzle it with a light glaze or dust it with powdered sugar for a snowy finish, adding a touch of festive elegance.

I’d love to see your Cinnamon Star Bread creations! Share a photo on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to admire your beautiful, artistic bread creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any personal twists or unique touches you added to make your star bread truly yours!

Leave a Comment