Description
Discover the joy of baking with this Festive Star Blossom Bread recipe that expertly mixes the delightful flavors of cinnamon and sugar. Perfect for holiday festivities or a special family gathering, this recipe elevates the humble bread into an art form with its star blossom appearance, making it not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual centerpiece. Let this step-by-step guide help you create a memorable culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 200 ml milk (plus 50 ml extra only if needed)
- 30 g butter (1 1/2 tablespoons)
- 7 g instant yeast (1 envelope or 2 1/4 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 450 g bread flour (plain or all-purpose flour are fine to use)
- 70 g white granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks (refrigerate the whites for brushing)
- 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Bread
Begin by heating 200ml of milk together with the butter either in a microwave or on a stovetop until the mixture reaches 110°F or 45°C. Once warm, dissolve the yeast in the mixture and allow it to activate for about 10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine the bread flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix these into the flour to form a dough.
4. Knead the Dough
Knead by hand for 10-12 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. If the dough seems too dry, add the warmed extra milk gradually as needed.
5. First Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat evenly with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 2-3 hours.
6. Prepare the Filling
Cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well mixed and set aside.
7. Form the Layers
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into four equal parts. Roll out each part on a floured surface into a 12-inch disc, spread the mixed filling on each layer, stacking them as you proceed except for the topmost layer.
8. Shape the Bread
Use a small cup as a guide to lightly mark a ring in the center. Cut the dough into 16 equal strips from the center outwards, twist and pinch the ends of each pair of strips together to form the star blossom shape.
9. Final Rise
Cover the shaped bread with a damp cloth and allow it to rest and rise slightly for about 30 minutes.
10. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the bread with beaten egg whites and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Servings & Preparation Time
The Star Blossom Bread should yield approximately 8 servings. Preparation time is about 45 minutes, with an additional 2 hours and 45 minutes for rising and baking.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Conclusion
This Festive Star Blossom Bread is not just delicious, but it’s also a work of art perfect for any table. Its sweet, spicy layers of cinnamon are complemented by the soft, fluffy texture of the homemade bread. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or want to bring something special to a potluck, this eye-catching star blossom bread is sure to impress all your guests.
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Festive Star Blossom Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover the joy of baking with this Festive Star Blossom Bread recipe that expertly mixes the delightful flavors of cinnamon and sugar. Perfect for holiday festivities or a special family gathering, this recipe elevates the humble bread into an art form with its star blossom appearance, making it not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual centerpiece. Let this step-by-step guide help you create a memorable culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 200 ml milk
- 30 g butter
- 7 g instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 450 g bread flour
- 70 g white granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Begin by heating 200ml of milk together with the butter either in a microwave or on a stovetop until the mixture reaches 110°F or 45°C. Once warm, dissolve the yeast in the mixture and allow it to activate for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine the bread flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix these into the flour to form a dough.
- Knead the Dough Knead by hand for 10-12 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. If the dough seems too dry, add the warmed extra milk gradually as needed.
- First Rise Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat evenly with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 2-3 hours.
- Prepare the Filling Cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well mixed and set aside.
- Form the Layers Punch down the risen dough and divide it into four equal parts. Roll out each part on a floured surface into a 12-inch disc, spread the mixed filling on each layer, stacking them as you proceed except for the topmost layer.
- Shape the Bread Use a small cup as a guide to lightly mark a ring in the center. Cut the dough into 16 equal strips from the center outwards, twist and pinch the ends of each pair of strips together to form the star blossom shape.
- Final Rise Cover the shaped bread with a damp cloth and allow it to rest and rise slightly for about 30 minutes.
- Bake Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the bread with beaten egg whites and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes