Imagine a warm, fragrant kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked bread. The Braided Cinnamon Star Bread is not just a treat for your taste buds; it's a feast for the eyes and a delightful way to impress your family and friends! This stunning pastry, with its intricate twists and turns, is perfect for any occasion—from festive gatherings to cozy weekend brunches. Get ready to elevate your baking game and learn how to create this show-stopping star bread that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: International
Serves: 1 star bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of instant yeast. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, warm ½ cup of milk until it is lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C). Be careful not to overheat the milk, as it can kill the yeast.
- Once the milk is warm, add ¼ cup of melted butter to it and stir until combined.
- Pour the milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and ¼ cup of brown sugar until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches in size.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Starting from one long side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal the roll.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise, exposing the filling. Carefully twist the two halves around each other to form a braid.
- Shape the braided dough into a star by bringing the ends together to form a circle. Pinch the ends to seal them.
- Transfer the star bread to a greased baking sheet. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
- Once the star bread has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Braided Cinnamon Star Bread warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients precisely for the best results. Use a kitchen scale if possible!
- Warm Milk: When warming the milk, aim for lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C). Too hot, and you risk killing the yeast; too cold, and the yeast won't activate properly.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. A well-kneaded dough will rise better and result in a fluffier bread.
- Rising Time: Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in the oven (turned off) with the light on to create a warm environment.
- Twisting the Dough: When twisting the dough, be gentle to maintain the filling. This will help keep the beautiful layers intact when you bake the bread.
- Baking: Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so check for a golden brown color and a hollow sound when tapping the bottom of the loaf.
- Serving: For the best experience, serve the Braided Cinnamon Star Bread warm, perhaps with a drizzle of icing or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
