Name: Delicious Cinnamon Star Bread for Holiday Mornings
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 19 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour, spooned & leveled (242 grams); 1/2 cup instant mashed potato flakes (42 grams); 2 tablespoon granulated sugar (27 grams); 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup warm whole milk (at 115-120℉); 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 egg

Cinnamon Star Bread is a delightful addition to any holiday table, especially during Christmas morning or festive brunches. This bread is soft, pull-apart, and layered with sweet cinnamon sugar, making it a treat that looks as impressive as it tastes. The best part? It’s easier to make than you might think. With a few simple steps, you’ll have this beautiful bread ready to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Star Bread

This Cinnamon Star Bread is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Impressive presentation with a star shape.
Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings.
Filled with a delightful cinnamon and sugar mix.
Versatile: great for breakfast or as a dessert.
Simple ingredients make it an easy Cinnamon Bread Recipe.

With its American cuisine roots, this recipe is perfect for those looking to add a festive touch to their meals.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Star Bread

Gather these items:

2 cups all purpose flour, spooned & leveled (242 grams)
1/2 cup instant mashed potato flakes (42 grams)
2 tablespoon granulated sugar (27 grams)
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm whole milk (at 115-120℉)
1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 egg

How to Make Cinnamon Star Bread Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl mix the flour, potato flakes, sugar and salt together. Set aside.
Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the water and yeast and stir to combine and activate the yeast and let it stand for 3 minutes to bloom. Add the flour mixture and butter. Using the dough hook, mix on medium speed until the dough is smooth and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Place the dough into a lightly greased mixing bowl, turn the dough over so both sides are greased and cover to let it rise for 1 hour.
Step 3: While the dough is resting, in a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together and set aside.
Step 4: On a flour dusted surface, divide the dough into 4 equal size pieces and gently shape into balls. Roll one of the dough balls out to about a 10” round. Carefully place this dough on a parchment lined baking sheet, then spread ⅓ of the cinnamon sugar leaving about a ¼” ring around the outside of the circle.
Step 5: Repeat with the second dough ball- roll out on a floured surface to about a 10” round and place on top of the first dough circle. Spread another ⅓ of the cinnamon sugar onto the dough leaving about a ¼” ring bare around the outside of the circle. Repeat this one more time with the third dough ball. Roll the last dough ball out to about 10” circle and place on top.
Step 6: Place a 3” round biscuit cutter in the center of the dough circle, which acts as a guide to make the star cuts. Using a sharp knife, make cuts through the layers to end with 16 total pieces for 8 twist pairs. Remove the biscuit guide and twist 2 dough strips in opposite directions. Twist 2-3 times then pinch the pairs together at the ends, using a bit of water to seal it together if needed. Repeat with the remaining strips until you get eight pairs. Cover loosely with plastic wrap while you preheat the oven.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, beat the egg. Brush the top of the star bread with the egg and bake for about 15 to 19 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for about 10 minutes and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or more cinnamon sugar.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Star Bread

Keep these in mind:

Use room temperature butter for better mixing.
Make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rise.
Let the dough rise in a warm area to speed up the process.
Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
Try adding nuts or dried fruits for additional flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Star Bread

This delightful bread is perfect for:

Enjoying with a warm beverage like coffee or tea.
Pairing with a fruit spread or cream cheese for breakfast.
Serving as a festive centerpiece at holiday gatherings.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Star Bread

To store, wrap the Cinnamon Star Bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in a warm oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This meal prep strategy helps maintain its fluffy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Star Bread

What’s the secret to perfect Cinnamon Star Bread?

The secret lies in the dough’s rise. Make sure your yeast is active and allow the dough to rise in a warm spot. This ensures a soft and fluffy texture for your Cinnamon Twist Bread.

Can I make Cinnamon Star Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping. This is perfect for those holiday mornings when time is limited.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cinnamon Star Bread?

To avoid mistakes, ensure your measurements are accurate, and don’t rush the rising process. Patience is key to achieving a beautifully layered Cinnamon Star Loaf.

Variations of Cinnamon Star Bread You Can Try

Here are some fun twists to this classic recipe:

Add chocolate chips for a sweet chocolate cinnamon star bread.
Incorporate pumpkin spice for a seasonal treat.
Try a savory version using herbs and cheese.

With so many delicious variations, you can create your own unique Cinnamon Star Braid or Cinnamon Swirl Bread!