Christmas Cinnamon Star Bread Recipe | Made for Gifting
Growing up, my mom did, (and still does) make cinnamon bread for her neighbors during the holidays. She had a specific baking day each year where she would whip up as many as 20 loaves of her famous sweet bread. I carry on her tradition, but slightly different with this yummy Christmas star bread recipe.
The aroma of sweet dough always filled our home during the holidays. And once the loaves were ready-sometimes still warm from the oven-we'd bundle them up and deliver them to neighbors who eagerly awaited their treat. It was our family's unique way of spreading holiday cheer, a delightful change from the candies and cookies that often make the rounds during the season.
A Tradition Made My Own
For years, I followed her recipe to the letter, continuing the tradition with my own family. But as time went on, I decided to add my personal twist. Last year, I ventured into making Christmas Star Bread instead of the classic loaf.
The results?
Absolutely magical!
This pull-apart bread was a show-stopper at gatherings and earned rave reviews from everyone who tried it. It's perfect for Christmas morning, a holiday brunch, or any special occasion.
I'm thrilled to share this cinnamon sugar star bread recipe with you-complete with step-by-step instructions to ensure success!
Why Christmas Star Bread?
Christmas Star Bread isn't just beautiful-it's also practical. Each pull-apart piece offers the perfect serving, with tender layers of dough filled with sweet cinnamon sugar. Its striking star shape makes it a centerpiece-worthy addition to your holiday table.
If you're looking for a unique holiday gift for friends, family, or neighbors, Christmas Star Bread is always a hit. Don't get me wrong-cookies and candies are wonderful, but I find that bread holds an extra special place in people's hearts. It's like sharing a piece of your home, your kitchen, and your love with others.
Christmas Star Bread
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 5 tablespoon butter room temp
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk only room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 4 -5 cups all-purpose flour divided
Sweet Filling Ingredients
- 6 tablespoon softened butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- dash salt
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a small saucepan, warm the milk and water over medium-low heat until it reaches 105-115°F-warm to the touch but not hot. Pour into your stand mixer bowl, sprinkle in the yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar, and stir. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix on low speed with a dough hook until combined. Continue adding flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels soft but not sticky.
- Knead for 5-10 minutes, either by hand or in the mixer, until the dough is smooth and stretchy. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure your butter is soft enough to spread easily-it shouldn't be melted.
- Assemble the Star Bread: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal halves-each will make one star. Cut each half into four equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 10-inch circle.
- Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread with a thin layer of butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top. Repeat with the next two layers, ending with a plain dough circle on top. Trim the edges to form a neat, even circle.
- Use a small glass or cookie cutter to mark the center, then cut 16 equal strips radiating outward. Twist two strips away from each other twice and pinch the ends together to form a point. Continue all the way around to create the star shape.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Whisk 1 egg with a splash of water for an egg wash and brush it over the top. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes, until golden brown and the inside reaches 190°F. If the top darkens too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly. Let the bread cool before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze to enjoy later.
Notes
Nutrition
Making Christmas Star Bread has become my way of keeping my mom's tradition alive while adding my own flair. Maybe it's Christmas morning or at a holiday brunch, this delicious recipe brings joy to everyone.
Now it's your turn! I'd love to hear how your snowflake bread turns out. Did you try any variations, or will you stick to the classic cinnamon-sugar filling? Let me know in the comments or share your creations with me.
Happy baking, and may your holidays be as sweet as this bread!
This recipe turned out beautifully! The dough was soft and easy to work with, and the cinnamon layers baked up perfectly golden. It looked stunning on the holiday table and tasted even better than it smelled. I’ll definitely be gifting a few of these to friends next Christmas!