Description
A delightful and festive star-shaped bread perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup almond or hazelnut paste (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal parts.
- Roll each part into a circle and spread almond or hazelnut paste on top if using.
- Stack the circles on top of each other and cut into 16 wedges, leaving the center intact.
- Twist each wedge to form a star shape.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the top with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- For a sweeter bread, add more sugar to the dough.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Star-Shaped Christmas Bread, festive bread, holiday baking