Cinnamon Star Bread is a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with a visually stunning presentation. This bread is soft, pull-apart, and layered with cinnamon sugar, making it perfect for special occasions or just a cozy breakfast at home. It’s surprisingly simple to make, so you can impress your family or guests with a beautiful loaf that looks like it took all day to create. Whether for Christmas morning or a festive brunch, this bread will bring smiles to all around the table!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Star Bread
This Cinnamon Star Bread Recipe is a showstopper for several reasons. First, it combines the rich flavors of cinnamon and sugar, offering a deliciously sweet experience. Second, it’s an eye-catching centerpiece that will elevate your holiday gatherings. Third, it’s easy enough for beginners to tackle, making it perfect for family baking sessions. Fourth, you can customize it with fillings like Nutella or cream cheese for a unique twist. Fifth, it’s vegetarian-friendly, catering to various dietary needs. Lastly, it’s a fantastic way to create lasting memories with loved ones during the holidays.
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 tablespoons 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 warm milk and yeast. Stir to combine 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, 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 floured surface, divide the dough into 4 equal 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 mixture, leaving about a ¼” ring around the outside.
- Step 5: Repeat with the second dough ball by rolling it out and placing it on top of the first. Spread another ⅓ of the cinnamon sugar, leaving a ring bare. Do this for the third dough ball, then roll out the last dough ball and place on top.
- Step 6: Place a 3” round biscuit cutter in the center of the dough circle without pressing down. Using a sharp knife, make cuts through the layers to create 16 pieces for 8 twist pairs. Twist each strip in opposite directions, then pinch the pairs together at the ends. Cover loosely while you preheat the oven.
- Step 7: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the top of the star bread with it. Bake for about 15 to 19 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Star Bread
Keep these in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients for a better rise.
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best results.
- Don’t skip the egg wash; it creates a beautiful golden crust.
- For extra flavor, consider a cream cheese filling or a Cinnamon Star Bread with Nutella variation.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to keep it from falling apart.
Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Star Bread
This bread is perfect for holiday mornings. Serve it warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of warm milk for dipping. You can also offer sides like fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast experience. For those who enjoy a richer flavor, consider serving it alongside maple syrup or melted chocolate.
How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Star Bread
To store your Cinnamon Star Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. This makes it easy to enjoy this delicious bread even after the holidays!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Star Bread
What’s the secret to perfect Cinnamon Star Bread?
The secret lies in the dough. Make sure to knead it until smooth and let it rise in a warm place. This allows the bread to become fluffy and light, making it perfect for pulling apart.
Can I make Cinnamon Star Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape it the night before. Just cover it and refrigerate. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cinnamon Star Bread?
Common mistakes include not letting the dough rise enough or using cold ingredients. Always check that your yeast is active and ensure your dough has risen properly for the best results.
Variations of Cinnamon Star Bread You Can Try
There are many delicious variations to explore! Try adding chocolate chips for a Homemade Cinnamon Star Bread with a twist, or incorporate nuts for added texture. You can also experiment with fillings like almond paste or fruit preserves. For a creamier option, a Cinnamon Star Bread with Cream Cheese Filling is a fantastic idea. Each variation brings a unique flavor profile, making it a versatile recipe for all occasions!
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Cranberry Orange Pancakes for a festive breakfast option. You can also explore Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze to complement your holiday treats.
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Delicious Cinnamon Star Bread for Holiday Mornings
- Total Time: 115 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cinnamon star bread is soft, pull-apart, and layered with cinnamon sugar. It looks impressive but is easier than you think. Perfect for Christmas morning or holiday brunch.
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
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix the flour, potato flakes, sugar and salt together. Set aside.
- 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 light greased mixing bowl (use about ½ tablespoon vegetable oil), turn dough over so both sides are greased and cover to let it rise for 1 hour.
- While the dough is resting in a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together and set aside.
- On a flour dusted surface, divide the dough into 4 equal size pieces and gently shape into balls. Roll 1 of the dough balls out to about a 10” round. The piece will seem thin. Carefully place this dough on a parchment lined baking sheet, then spread ⅓ of the cinnamon sugar (just shy of 3 tablespoons) leaving about ¼” ring around the outside of the circle.
- 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 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.
- Place a 3” round biscuit cutter (but do not press down) 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.
- 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.
Notes
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Star Bread, Holiday Bread, Christmas Recipe










