Apple Cinnamon Star Bread Recipe
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (includes rising time)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup Warm Water (about 110°F)
- 3/4 cup Warm Milk
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Apple Butter or finely grated peeled apples
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
- Add the softened butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Beat on low speed until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, until a soft dough forms and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes (or use a dough hook on medium speed) until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. If you are using fresh apples, grate them finely and squeeze out any excess moisture with a paper towel to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Punch the risen dough down and divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch circle on a piece of parchment paper. Keep the circles as uniform as possible for a neat star shape.
- Place the first circle of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of apple butter (or grated apples) and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over it, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Repeat with the second and third layers. Top with the fourth circle of dough, leaving it plain.
- Place a small glass or round cutter in the center of the dough to mark a middle circle (do not cut through). Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 16 even strips, starting from the edge of the center circle to the outer edge.
- Pick up two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other twice. Pinch the ends together firmly to seal the point. Repeat with the remaining pairs of strips until you have 8 points in your star. Cover and let rise for another 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the star with a beaten egg wash for a shiny finish. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the bread is deep golden brown. Let it cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.