Christmas Star Bread


This recipe for my Star Bread is a must at this time of year. I personally love to make it on Christmas eve as it is a nice treat to have in the evening as we anticipate the magical day ahead. However, you can also make this star bread throughout the year, as it is not specifically just for Christmas. I have often made it at the beginning of autumn, where I love nothing more than having some of this yummy bread after getting cosy under a blanket, as I sit and watch the leaves as they fall and dance outside in the rain. It is the perfect "Hygee" moment :)

In this recipe I have filled my star bread with Nutella and some ground hazelnuts, but you can also choose other fillings like strawberry jam, or cinnamon and sugar! Whatever version of filling you choose, this bread will not disappoint!

What you will need ~

  • A stand mixer with a dough hook
  • Large bowl
  • A jug
  • Small saucepan
  • Cling film
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula
  • Large baking tray
  • Rolling pin
  • Small round glass
  • Sharp knife
  • Spoon
  • Pastry brush

Ingredients ~

  • 290 g Plain flour
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 sachet of active / instant dry yeast
  • 3 Tablespoons of sugar
  • 180 ml of Milk
  • 60 g Butter
  • Nutella
  • Ground hazelnuts
  • Non stick spray
  • 1 Large Egg (Free range because we love chickens!)
  • Icing sugar (for decorating)

Method ~

  • Using your saucepan, heat the milk on a hob or stove until it is warm to touch.
  • In the stand mixer, pour in the sugar and sachet of yeast.
  • Pour the warm milk into the stand mixer and mix on low to combine the ingredients. Turn off the stand mixer and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes so the yeast activates and it becomes frothy.
  • Add in your butter, flour, salt and egg and mix on a low speed for 5 minutes until its begins to form a dough, continue to mix until the dough becomes elasticated and stretchy.
  • Take out the dough and place it into your bowl that has been lightly greased with the non stick spray.
  • Cover the bowl with cling film and leave it to prove for 2 - 3 hours until it has doubled in size.
  • Line your baking tray with parchment paper.
  • Take the dough out from the bowl and place on a lightly floured worktop. Gently punch down on the dough to remove excess air. Cut the dough into 4 even pieces and shape them into four rounds.
  • Roll out the first piece of dough using the rolling pin to a 10 inch circle approx. If it looses its shape while rolling, simply use a small plate to cut around it so all 4 pieces are of equal shape and size. 
  • Place the first layer of dough on the baking tray.
  • Cover this layer with your choice of filling. In this case, spread out a thick layer of Nutella and some ground hazelnuts.
  • Continue this process until all layers are done, leaving the top layer bare.
  • Using a small round glass, mark the centre of the dough for a guideline as the centre of the star.
  • Cut 16 equal strips around the centre circle.
  • Using both hands, grab 2 strips of dough and gently twist them in the opposite direction away from you. Then press the two ends together to make a point at the end. When you are finished twisting all of the strips, your star should have 8 points.
  • Once again, cover with clingfilm, and leave it aside for 15 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 170 degrees.
  • Lightly brush the star bread with egg wash and bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and baked through.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before dusting some icing sugar on top for decoration. 
Sit back, relax and enjoy sharing this delicious star bread with family and friends.

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