A Rustic Holiday Bread

When we first saw this sweet, rustic Christmas bread, we knew we had to try it. Dusted with sugar like new fallen snow (which we don't get here south of San Francisco :-)), this lovely star fills the house with smells of cinnamon and sugar to create a lovely holiday feel. It's both deceptively easy and uses limited ingredients - a great combination, we find. And the points of the star rip off, allowing for easy sharing in family pajamas on a cozy morning. We drew inspiration from Jenny Steffens with some adjustments - see her blog for a great step-by-step tutorial on how to twist and shape this aromatic cinnamon bread. 

Christmas Star Bread Recipe

(inspiration from Jenny Steffens)

1 pack active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup warm water
1 egg
1/4 cup soft butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 3/4 cups of flour
3 tablespoons melted butter
1/8 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1.5 tablespoons cinnamon

Mix the yeast with the warm water till foamy. Add the warmed milk. 

In a different bowl, mix the egg, butter, sugar and salt. Add the the yeast mixture, then the flour. Knead till dough comes together and is no longer sticky, about 10 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot for about an hour (don't forget to place in a clean, greased bowl!).

Divide the dough into two portions and use one for another time (wrap the unused portion in plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days).

Take half the dough and divide into four equal portions. Roll each out into an 8" circle.

Melt remaining butter and mix with brown sugar and cinnamon. Place first circle on a backing sheet lined with parchment paper, and brush first circle with butter mixture, then stack the second dough circle on top. Brush the 2nd circle with butter mixture - repeat with third circle. Place the fourth circle on top (do not brush top of 4th circle with the butter mixture).

Place a small glass in the middle of the stack of circles, then make twelve slits from the edge of the glass to the edge of the circles. If this is confusing, see here. Take two sections and twist once inward, towards each other. Once all sections have been twisted, repeat. Press the ends of twisted segments together, forming six star points. 

Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for one hour.

Remove plastic wrap and bake at 365 for 15-18 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool, then dust with powdered sugar. 

Enjoy!