Description
Christmas Star Twisted Bread brings festive magic to holiday tables with its intricate swirls of cinnamon and sweet dough. Delicate layers of rich filling and tender pastry promise a delightful centerpiece you will savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Makers:
- 1 package (0.25 ounces / 7 grams) active dry yeast
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Liquids:
- ¼ cup warm water (110°–115°F)
- ¼ cup warm 2% milk (110°–115°F)
Flour and Filling:
- 3 ¼ to 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup seedless raspberry jam
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast activation by dissolving it in warm water (110°F/43°C) until it becomes frothy and bubbly. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend lukewarm milk, room temperature egg, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Incorporate the activated yeast mixture into the liquid ingredients. Gradually fold in of all-purpose flour, mixing with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter achieves a smooth consistency, approximately 1 minute.
- Incrementally add the remaining flour to create a soft, pliable dough. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead thoroughly, working the mixture until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, rotating once to ensure complete surface coverage. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free location until the volume doubles, roughly 1 hour.
- Deflate the risen dough by gently pressing down. Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll out each portion into a 12-inch (30.5 centimeters) circular shape.
- Arrange the first circle on a greased 14-inch (35.5 centimeters) pizza pan. Spread one-third of the jam evenly across the dough, maintaining a ½-inch (1.27 centimeters) border around the edges.
- Layer subsequent dough circles, spreading jam between each layer and finishing with the final dough circle on top.
- Position a 2½-inch (6.35 centimeters) round cutter in the center of the top dough layer without pressing down. Using a sharp knife, create 16 equally spaced cuts radiating from the cutter to the outer dough edge. Remove the cutter.
- Twist adjacent strips outward twice, pinching the ends together to create a distinctive starburst pattern. Repeat for all remaining strips.
- Cover the shaped bread and permit a second rise until nearly doubled in volume, approximately 30 minutes. Simultaneously, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread until it achieves a rich golden-brown color, monitoring carefully during the final 5 minutes to prevent excessive jam leakage. The total baking time ranges between 18-22 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and delicately brush with melted butter, carefully avoiding jam-exposed areas.
- Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Before serving, dust generously with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Jam-layering requires careful spreading to prevent overflow and maintain a clean, visually appealing star design.
- Twisting adjacent dough strips creates intricate starburst patterns that transform ordinary bread into a stunning holiday centerpiece.
- Temperature control matters critically when activating yeast and rising dough, ensuring soft, pillowy bread texture.
- Precise cutting techniques using a round cutter guarantee symmetrical star edges and professional-looking final presentation.
- Brushing melted butter after baking adds luxurious shine and enhances the bread’s golden-brown appearance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg