Description
Mouthwatering Christmas star twisted bread reveals a festive Polish pastry with intricate braided layers of sweet dough. Rich buttery strands intertwine to create a spectacular holiday centerpiece for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (0.25 oz / 7 g) active dry yeast
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup warm water (110°–115°F)
- ¼ cup warm 2% milk (110°–115°F)
- 3 ¼ to 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup seedless raspberry jam
- 2 tbsps melted butter
- Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, egg, butter, sugar, and salt into a smooth liquid base.
- Dough Formation: Merge the activated yeast with liquid ingredients. Gradually integrate flour, mixing until a cohesive, silky dough develops. Knead thoroughly on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes, creating an elastic texture.
- First Proofing: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, ensuring complete surface coverage. Drape with a clean towel and let rise in a warm environment until volume doubles, approximately 1 hour.
- Layering and Filling: Divide dough into four equal circles. Stack layers on a greased pizza pan, spreading jam between each circular section, leaving a slight border around edges.
- Shaping the Star: Position a round cutter in the center of the top layer. Slice 16 equidistant radial cuts without pressing through the center. Twist adjacent strips outward twice, creating an intricate starburst design by pinching strip ends together.
- Second Proofing and Baking: Allow shaped bread to rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake until golden brown, watching carefully to prevent jam overflow, roughly 18-22 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and delicately brush with melted butter. Cool completely on a wire rack, then dust generously with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Temperature Precision Matters: Use an accurate digital thermometer to ensure yeast activates perfectly at 110°F/43°C, preventing under or over-proofing.
- Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by kneading dough thoroughly for 6-8 minutes, creating a smooth, elastic texture that guarantees soft, tender bread.
- Jam Distribution Strategy: Maintain a ½-inch border when spreading jam to prevent leakage and ensure clean, neat layers during baking.
- Starburst Shaping Tips: Twist strips gently and evenly, pinching ends carefully to create a consistent, symmetrical star pattern that looks professionally crafted.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg