Easy Star Bread Recipe

This homemade cinnamon star bread is literally the star of the show! It’s a beautiful treat with mesmerizing swirls that looks intimidating but is surprisingly easy to make. Full of warm and buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, this soft and fluffy pull-apart bread is irresistible. Also known as snowflake bread, as it looks like a beautiful snowflake after you’ve dusted the tops of the bread with confectioners’ sugar, this is the perfect festive treat for the winter holidays!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

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

For the Glaze:

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

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture.
   • Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes.
3. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
4. Roll Out and Fill:
   • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
   • Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
   • Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the buttered surface.
5. Roll and Shape:
   • Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough into a log.
   • Place the rolled dough seam side down in a greased loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
   • Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
7. Preheat and Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the cinnamon bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
   • While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Glaze and Enjoy:
   • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cinnamon bread.
   • Slice and enjoy your homemade cinnamon bread!