Table of Contents
why make this recipe
Christmas Morning Star Bread is not just a treat; it’s a fun and tasty centerpiece for your holiday breakfast. This bread looks beautiful, tastes delightful, and brings everyone together. With its pull-apart star shape, it invites sharing and adds a festive spirit to your table. Plus, the warm cinnamon, butter, and nut flavors will brighten up the most special morning of the year.
how to make Christmas Morning Star Bread
Ingredients :
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (Essential for structure; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.)
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast (Provides the perfect fluff; ensure it’s within the expiration date.)
- 1 cup warm milk (Helps activate the yeast; use about 110°F.)
- ½ cup brown butter (Adds rich flavor; brown unsalted butter if needed.)
- 2 large eggs (Contributes to the dough’s richness; use room temperature.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Enhances flavor; consider adding almond extract.)
- ½ cup brown sugar (Offers sweetness; light brown sugar can be an alternative.)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (Adds warmth and spice; increase amount for more flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (Infuses freshness; lemon zest can work as well.)
- 1 teaspoon more vanilla extract (Complements the sweet flavors.)
- 1 cup pecans (Provides crunch; can switch to almonds.)
- ½ cup brown sugar (Sweetens the sauce; use dark brown for richer flavor.)
- ¼ cup butter (Adds creaminess; unsalted for better control.)
- ½ cup heavy cream (Gives a luxurious texture; coconut cream is a substitute.)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (Gives a pretty finish; consider erythritol for sugar-free.)
Directions :
Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt. Add frothy yeast mixture, brown butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into four pieces. Roll each piece into a circle. Layer the circles, spreading a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans between each layer.
Create the Star Shape: Once layered, cut the circle into 16 wedges without cutting all the way through the center. Twist two adjacent wedges away from each other to form points of a star.
Second Rise: Cover the shaped star bread and let it rise for about 30 minutes.
Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the star bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Cook until thickened, then stir in powdered sugar.
Serve: Once the bread is done, drizzle the sauce over it. Enjoy warm.
how to serve Christmas Morning Star Bread
Serve the Christmas Morning Star Bread warm straight from the oven. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a complete holiday experience. You can also offer extra sauce on the side for dipping, and everyone can pull off pieces as they enjoy.
how to store Christmas Morning Star Bread
To store any leftover star bread, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for about 2 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy again.
tips to make Christmas Morning Star Bread
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped dried fruits to the filling.
- Keep an eye on the bread while baking to prevent over-browning. You can cover it with foil if it browns too quickly.
variation
You can switch the nuts based on your preference. Almonds or walnuts work well too. For different flavors, try adding chocolate chips or swapping cinnamon for nutmeg.
FAQs
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t foam when combined with warm milk, it may not be active. In future attempts, keep the dough in a warm place to promote rising.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but consider mixing whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a softer texture.
Christmas Morning Star Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt. Add frothy yeast mixture, brown butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into four pieces. Roll each piece into a circle. Layer the circles, spreading a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans between each layer.
- Once layered, cut the circle into 16 wedges without cutting all the way through the center. Twist two adjacent wedges away from each other to form points of a star.
- Cover the shaped star bread and let it rise for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the star bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Cook until thickened, then stir in powdered sugar.
- Once the bread is done, drizzle the sauce over it. Enjoy warm.