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Christmas Morning Star Bread

A festive pull-apart star bread with cinnamon sugar filling and a sweet glaze—perfect for holiday breakfast or brunch.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F / 43°C
  • 1 egg large
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Filling
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg optional
Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp lemon juice optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add egg, melted butter, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Mix until soft dough forms.
  3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
  5. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into a 10-inch circle. Stack with cinnamon filling between layers.
  6. Trace a circle and cut 16 strips, leaving center intact. Twist each pair of strips twice to form star points.
  7. Let shaped star rise 20–30 minutes.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm bread.
  10. Cool slightly, then pull apart and serve warm.

Notes

For extra sparkle, add a few fresh cranberries or a pinch of edible glitter on top.