A basic cinnamon roll dough is easily transformed into beautiful star (or snowflake) shapes called star loaves. Inspired by traditional European recipes, there are many ways to make it! This classic version is so beautiful and impressive–you won’t believe how easy it is to make!
Star Bread—also known as Snowflake Bread—seems rather delicate, and might even be difficult to put together, but it so Easy to make! This is one of our favorite things to eat during the winter holidays. We love good old fashioned themed dishes, don’t we? Snowflake bread is as wintery as you can get. This recipe is simply infused with cinnamon and sugar, and can be topped with icing or powdered sugar – your choice! It’s like a fun and festive version of cinnamon rolls. Add it to menus as a delicious addition to a festive brunch, or as a dessert after a delicious meal. No matter when or where you decide to serve it, it’s always a fan favorite!
Dough Options
There are many different directions you can use to make the dough for this star bread recipe. We almost always use homemade cinnamon roll dough, but you can also use:
- store bought dough (you’ll need about 2 lbs)
- Crescent Sheets (2 to 4 packs)
- puff pastry dough (2 lbs)
- Pie Crust Dough (4 Pie Crust Rounds)
sweet top ideas
As mentioned, feel free to choose your icing sugar or simply add some powdered sugar to spice up your sweet bread recipe. Here are some other fun topping ideas to try:
- Powdered sugar: Dust with powdered sugar on star buns for a sweet and elegant touch.
- Honey: Drizzle honey over the star buns for a sweet and gooey texture.
- melted butter: Simply brush 2 tablespoons of melted butter on top of the finished star loaf.
- Simple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon water or milk and 1/2 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract. Add more water or milk as needed to create a thin consistency that can be easily drizzled over the dough.
- Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Crumble: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Add 1/4 cup melted butter and beat until mixture forms a crumbly dough. Sprinkle evenly over the tops of the star loaves before baking.
freezing instructions
One way to make this snowflake bread recipe ahead of time is to prepare and then freeze. You can freeze the dough before baking or after:
- To freeze the dough: Follow the dough recipe directions on the recipe card below. “Punch” the dough after it has risen to remove excess air. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 months! When ready to bake, let the dough thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the directed shaping and baking instructions.
- To Freeze Already Baked Star Bread: Let the bread cool completely, then place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
You can store any leftover star bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also store it in the refrigerator if you want it to last a little longer, so it will keep for a week. If you want to reheat it, you can heat it in the microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
other flavor options
watch the video below Rachel will walk you through each step of this recipe. Sometimes the visuals help, and we always let you watch our cooking shows.You can find the complete collection of recipes youtube, facebook watch, or our facebook pageor provide a corresponding recipe on our website.
A basic cinnamon roll dough is easily transformed into beautiful star (or snowflake) shapes called star loaves. Inspired by traditional European recipes, there are many ways to make it! This classic version is so beautiful and impressive–you won’t believe how easy it is to make!
raw material
Dough Recipe:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
- 2 tablespoon White sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoon salted butter softened
- 1 big egg
- 3 cup all purpose flour
For the cinnamon filling:
- 1/4 cup salted butter soften
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
instruct
Dough Recipe:
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and eggs. Add the flour. Use the dough hook and turn on low speed.
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Once the flour begins to incorporate into the dough, increase the speed to medium. Add more flour as needed to pull the dough away from the sides of the bowl. The dough mixture should be soft and sticky, but not stick to your hands.
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Add more or less flour until the dough reaches the desired consistency. The amount of flour you add when making bread is always an approximation and should be determined by feel.
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Transfer dough to a lightly greased mixing bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shaping and Baking Instructions:
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Take the dough and divide it into 4 evenly. Roll each piece into a large circle, about the width of the baking sheet.
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Place one circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread 1-2 tablespoons softened butter evenly over top, leaving 1/4 inch around edge of circle. In a small bowl, stir together cinnamon and sugar. Spread 1/3 of the mixture over the butter.
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Continue layering remaining dough, but leave the top 4th and final dough as is.
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Use a small 2″ bowl to mark the center (or eyeball), then use a knife to cut 16 equal lines, leaving the small circle in the center.
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Take two strands and twist in opposite directions 2-3 times, then pinch the edges to seal. Continue to fit the pieces together until all the pieces fit together to form a large star shape.
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Bake immediately in a 350°F oven (do not rise) for 20-25 minutes. Serve once cool, frosting with your favorite icing sugar or powdered sugar.
notes
For flavor variations, filling and topping suggestions, visit www.thestayathomechef.com
