Description
Magical Italian “Festive Star Blossom Bread” weaves golden dough petals into a spectacular holiday centerpiece. Delicate layers and rich butter create an irresistible spiral that draws guests closer with its enchanting aroma and delightful texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 450 g (3 ¾ cups) bread flour
- 70 g (⅓ cup) white granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Liquid and Leavening Ingredients:
- 200 ml (6.8 fluid ounces) milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 7 g (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
Fat and Softening Ingredients:
- 30 g (¼ cup) butter
- 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
Instructions
- Gently warm milk and butter to approximately body temperature, ensuring the liquid is not too hot to kill the yeast. Dissolve the yeast into this warm mixture, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for several minutes.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, sift together bread flour, granulated sugar, and salt to create a uniform dry foundation for the dough.
- Excavate a small crater in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour the activated yeast liquid, rich egg yolks, and fragrant vanilla extract into this well.
- Methodically incorporate the wet ingredients into the flour, transforming the mixture into a cohesive, slightly tacky dough. Employ a rhythmic kneading technique for 10-12 minutes until the texture becomes silky and resilient.
- Transfer the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled vessel, ensuring the surface is completely coated. Drape with a protective plastic wrap and allow the dough to undergo its initial fermentation in a draft-free, warm environment until it doubles in volume.
- Prepare the aromatic filling by whipping softened butter with light brown sugar and ground cinnamon until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
- Deflate the risen dough and segment it into four symmetrical portions. Expertly roll each section into thin, circular discs on a flour-dusted surface.
- Layer the discs, generously spreading the cinnamon-sugar mixture between each one, leaving the topmost layer bare.
- Utilize a small cup to delicately mark a central ring. Slice the stacked dough into 16 radial strips, then artfully twist paired strips and pinch their ends together to create an intricate star-like configuration.
- Drape a dampened cloth over the shaped bread, permitting a brief secondary rise to enhance its volume and lightness.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Delicately brush the surface with beaten egg whites to promote a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake until the bread transforms into a rich, amber-hued masterpiece, approximately 20 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent over-browning.
Notes
- Warm milk and butter precisely to activate yeast, ensuring it becomes frothy and helps dough rise perfectly.
- Kneading develops gluten, creating a soft, elastic texture that’s crucial for the bread’s tender crumb.
- Room temperature ingredients blend smoothly, preventing lumps and ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Stacking layers with cinnamon filling creates beautiful swirls and adds rich, aromatic complexity to each bite.
- Let dough rise in a draft-free spot to maintain consistent temperature and encourage maximum volume.
- Egg white wash gives the bread a gorgeous golden-brown shine and professional bakery-style finish.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg