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Cranberry Star Bread

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Cranberry star bread is a stunning pull-apart pastry filled with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, twisted into a festive star shape. With soft, enriched dough and a glossy golden crust, it’s perfect for holiday breakfasts or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Optional: 1 tsp orange zest
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
  • Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal parts. Roll each into a 10-inch circle.
  5. Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce (plus optional zest or nuts) over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border. Repeat with the next two circles. Top with the final circle (no filling on top).
  6. Place a small round cutter or glass in the center. Cut the dough into 16 equal strips from the edge of the center circle outward.
  7. Twist two adjacent strips away from each other twice and pinch ends together to form a point. Repeat around the circle to create 8 star points.
  8. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the star with egg wash.
  10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. Cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use chilled cranberry sauce to avoid excessive leaking during shaping.
  • Don’t overfill layers or it may be hard to twist cleanly.
  • You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate after the first rise.
  • This bread also works with jam, Nutella, or cinnamon sugar.
  • Leftovers make great French toast or bread pudding.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cranberry-star-bread/