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Christmas Morning Star Bread is not just a treat; it’s a delightful centerpiece for your holiday breakfast. Its beautiful star shape makes it visually appealing and fun to pull apart. The buttery, slightly sweet dough combined with the warmth of cinnamon makes it a perfect addition to any festive table. Sharing this bread with family and friends adds a special touch to your holiday celebrations.
how to make Christmas Morning Star Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, water, and butter until warm; stir this mixture into the flour.
- Beat in the eggs and gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle.
- Cut into star shapes and stack layers with any fillings you desire.
- Let it rise again for 30 minutes after shaping.
- Brush the top with egg wash.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
how to serve Christmas Morning Star Bread
Serve your Christmas Morning Star Bread warm right from the oven. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a festive touch or serve it with butter, jam, or your favorite spread. Encourage everyone to pull apart the bread piece by piece for a fun and interactive experience.
how to store Christmas Morning Star Bread
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it at room temperature when you want to enjoy it again.
tips to make Christmas Morning Star Bread
- Make sure your milk and butter mixture is warm but not hot; it should be comfortable to the touch. Too hot can kill the yeast.
- If you want to add flavor, consider mixing in some cinnamon or your favorite spices into the dough.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it helps the bread achieve its light and fluffy texture.
variation
You can customize your Christmas Morning Star Bread by adding fillings such as Nutella, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves between the layers. You can also try different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique flavor twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. Shape and bake it the next morning.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Just be aware that the texture may be denser.
3. What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, check the yeast. It may be old or not activated properly. Make sure to use warm (not hot) liquids when mixing and allow the dough to rise in a warm spot.
Christmas Morning Star Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, water, and butter until warm; stir this mixture into the flour.
- Beat in the eggs and gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle.
- Cut into star shapes and stack layers with any fillings you desire.
- Let it rise again for 30 minutes after shaping.
- Brush the top with egg wash.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.