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Cinnamon star bread has become a bit of a Christmas tradition around here. The smell of cinnamon baking in the oven, the golden star shape coming together, and everyone sneaking a piece while it’s still warm… it’s one of those recipes that just feels like home.
The best part? It looks like something straight out of a bakery window but is actually super simple to make! Perfect for Christmas morning, a cozy brunch, or just when you want your house to smell amazing. I’ve been making this one for years, and it’s always a showstopper on the table—soft, sweet, and completely irresistible.
Before You Begin
Before we jump in, let’s chat about a few little things that will help your cinnamon star bread turn out perfectly. This recipe is honestly pretty simple, but a few small details can make all the difference!
- Warm milk is key. Not too hot, not too cold—just warm enough to wake up the yeast.
- Room temperature ingredients are your best friend here. They help the dough come together so much easier.
- Take your time. Don’t rush the rising stages—this bread loves a little patience.
- And don’t stress the shape! Even if your star isn’t perfectly even, it’ll still bake up beautifully (and taste amazing).
- Alright, let’s get baking!
Ingredients For Cinnamon Star Bread
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
Filling Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Egg Wash Ingredients:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Icing drizzle (powdered sugar + milk)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Shape the Star
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into four equal pieces.
Roll out one piece into a 10-inch circle and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of filling over the surface.
Repeat with the next two layers, stacking and spreading filling between each one. Top with the final layer (no filling on top).
Place a small glass or cookie cutter in the center as a guide. Slice the dough into 16 strips, starting from the edge of the glass outward—like pizza slices.
Take two strips, twist them away from each other twice, and pinch the ends together to form a point. Continue all the way around to create your star shape.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the bread and let it rise for 20–30 minutes in a warm spot.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush with the egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the bread cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with icing. Then tear, share, and enjoy that cozy cinnamon sweetness!
Deb’s Tips
Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this Cinnamon Star Bread come out perfectly every single time. Here are some of my favorite tips to help you make it with confidence (and maybe even start your own cozy tradition with it, too!).
- Make it ahead: If you want fresh-baked star bread for breakfast, shape it the night before, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, let it come to room temperature and rise before baking. Your kitchen will smell incredible before the coffee’s even brewed.
- Don’t stress perfection. The charm of this bread is in its homemade look. A few uneven twists just add character (and I promise, no one’s judging when they’re pulling off warm, gooey pieces).
- Get creative with fillings! Try swapping the cinnamon sugar for Nutella, apple butter, or even raspberry jam for a fun twist.
- Add a little sparkle. Sprinkle a touch of pearl sugar, crushed nuts, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar before baking for a festive finish.
Baking this bread is one of those small, simple joys that makes the holidays feel special—and it never lasts long once it hits the table!
How to Store Cinnamon Star Bread
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare in this house!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Room temperature: Wrap the bread tightly or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay soft for about 2–3 days.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes or give them a quick 20-second spin in the microwave to bring back that soft, fresh-baked texture.
- Freeze: Wrap individual portions or the whole star tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then reheat before serving.
More Cozy Baking Recipes
If you loved this Cinnamon Star Bread, try these next:
Your Questions
Yes! Just skip the proofing step and mix it right in with your dry ingredients.
Nope! I often knead by hand—it just takes a few extra minutes. Consider it a mini arm workout before the cinnamon-sugar reward.
Absolutely. Chocolate hazelnut spread, maple sugar, or pumpkin spice butter are all amazing alternatives.
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Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup sugar granulated
- ¾ cup milk warm, (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
Filling
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter , softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar , packed
- 2 tsp cinnamon ground
Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Icing drizzle (powdered sugar + milk)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.Knead for 8–10 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into four equal pieces.
- Roll one piece into a 10-inch circle and place it on parchment paper. Spread with filling.
- Repeat for the next two layers, stacking them and spreading filling between each. Top with the last circle (no filling).
- Place a small glass in the center. Cut into 16 strips like pizza slices.
- Twist two strips away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to form a point. Repeat all the way around.
- Cover the shaped bread and let it rise again for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush with egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the bread cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with icing. Tear, share, and enjoy!
