Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Star Bread

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Star Bread
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 package quick rise dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup warm whole milk (110ºF); 1/4 cup warm water (110ºF); 1 large egg; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 1/4 to 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons honey; Zest of 1 orange; 1/2 cup pistachios, ground or finely chopped; Powdered sugar, for dusting; 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing); 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 4 teaspoons milk (plus more if needed)

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Looking for a stunning, sweet centerpiece for your holiday table? This Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Star Bread is everything you need and more. With rich layers of semisweet chocolate, nutty pistachios, and a burst of fresh orange zest, this festive bread is twisted into a gorgeous star shape and finished with powdered sugar for a snow-dusted look. Served with a dreamy vanilla icing dip, it’s both a visual and culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting Christmas brunch or simply baking for a cozy winter morning, this star bread delivers elegance and indulgence with minimal fuss.

A Holiday Bread That’s as Easy as It Is Impressive

One of the best things about Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Star Bread is how simple it is to make despite its intricate appearance. The dough is soft, enriched, and rises beautifully, making it beginner-friendly. Its layered filling offers a sophisticated flavor balance — the bitterness of dark chocolate, crunch from pistachios, and brightness from citrus zest. Even better, the bread bakes in just about 20 minutes and looks like it came straight from a bakery window.

This festive bread is ideal for:

Christmas morning breakfast
A holiday dessert board centerpiece
Gifting to neighbors or coworkers
Brunches or potlucks with wow-factor

What You’ll Need to Make This Christmas Star Bread

Dough Ingredients

Quick rise dry yeast: Ensures a speedy and fluffy dough rise
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough
Warm whole milk & water: Activates the yeast and adds moisture
Large egg: Adds richness and structure
Butter: Softens the dough and enriches the flavor
Salt: Enhances the taste of the bread
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and elasticity to the dough

Chocolate Pistachio Filling

Semisweet chocolate: Adds deep cocoa richness
Butter: Helps smooth the chocolate mixture
Honey: Balances the bitterness of chocolate with a floral sweetness
Orange zest: Offers a bright, citrusy contrast
Pistachios: Add crunch, color, and a slightly sweet nuttiness
Powdered sugar: Used for dusting to create a snowy look

Vanilla Icing Dip

Powdered sugar: Base for a smooth, sweet glaze
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth
Milk: Thins the icing to a perfect dipping consistency

Ingredient Swaps and Adaptations to Try

If you’re missing an ingredient or want to make this bread suit your dietary needs, here are a few clever swaps:

Nut-free version: Use toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of pistachios
No orange zest? Substitute with lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist
Vegan option: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and a flax egg
Low sugar: Omit the honey and reduce the powdered sugar in the dip
Chocolate alternative: Nutella makes an excellent shortcut substitute for the chocolate-honey-butter combo

How to Make Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Star Bread

Activate the yeast: In a stand mixer bowl, combine yeast and sugar. Pour warm milk and water over and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Form the dough: Add the egg, softened butter, salt, and flour. Beat for 3 minutes until a soft dough forms. Add flour if needed until smooth and manageable.
Let it rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling: In a double boiler, melt chocolate, butter, and honey until smooth. Stir in orange zest and set aside.
Roll and layer: Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a 10-inch circle. Place one layer on a baking sheet, spread with chocolate mix, sprinkle pistachios. Repeat for the next two layers. Top with the fourth dough circle.
Cut and shape: Use a cup to mark a 2-inch circle in the center. Slice the dough into 16 strips from the circle outward. Twist two adjacent strips away from each other twice and pinch the ends together. Repeat with all strips to form a star.
Final rise and bake: Cover with plastic wrap and let rest 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 375ºF and bake 18–22 minutes until golden. Cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
Make the icing dip: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust thickness as desired. Serve as a dip or drizzle over bread.

Baker’s Tips for Perfect Holiday Star Bread

Don’t overheat your milk: Keep it around 110ºF to activate yeast without killing it
Use a pizza cutter: It’s ideal for slicing clean, even strips in your dough
Keep layers even: Roll dough circles to the same size for a clean star shape
Watch your twist: Twist each dough strip pair evenly for a symmetrical star
Cool completely before icing: Icing will melt if applied too soon

These simple adjustments make a huge difference in the final presentation and texture of your Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Star Bread.

Creative Twists and Serving Suggestions

Want to take your Christmas star bread up a notch or adapt it for different occasions? Try these ideas:

Spread the icing on top like a cinnamon roll instead of dipping
Add dried cranberries to the filling for a tart holiday twist
Dust with cocoa powder along with powdered sugar for more chocolate flavor
Serve with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or espresso to complement the rich flavors
Make it mini: Divide the dough into smaller sections to make individual star breads

Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.

Why This Chocolate Pistachio Star Bread Belongs on Your Holiday Table

This Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Star Bread isn’t just another sweet loaf — it’s a celebration in edible form. From its festive shape and elegant swirls to its rich, nutty filling and creamy icing dip, this bread is designed to impress without overcomplicating your baking routine. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe combines stunning presentation with approachable techniques and incredible flavor. Make it your new holiday tradition.

Conclusion

Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Star Bread is more than just a holiday dessert — it’s a magical baking experience that blends artistry with comfort. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy pistachios, and bright orange zest wrapped in soft, buttery dough creates a flavor profile that’s both festive and irresistible. Whether you’re making it for Christmas morning, a winter brunch, or simply to indulge in some seasonal joy, this star bread will leave a lasting impression on everyone who takes a bite.

Its eye-catching star design is easier to achieve than it looks, making it a perfect choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking to impress. The optional vanilla icing dip adds a luxurious touch that makes each pull-apart piece even more delightful. Add this recipe to your holiday baking traditions — it’s guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Star Bread?

Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.

Can I make this star bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough and complete the shaping a day in advance. After forming the star, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise for about 30–40 minutes before baking. This is a great option for prepping ahead of a busy holiday morning.

What if I don’t have pistachios?

No pistachios? No problem. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds make great alternatives. You can also skip the nuts entirely for a rich chocolate-orange version of the star bread. For added crunch without nuts, try using crushed pretzels or granola.

More Relevant Recipes

Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: These cozy muffins combine the warm flavors of apple and pumpkin with a crumbly streusel topping, making them a delightful fall treat similar in spice and texture to the Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Star Bread.
Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Sourdough Bread: A visually stunning and flavorful bread, this recipe offers sweet cinnamon swirls and earthy pumpkin tones, echoing the festive spirit and softness of holiday star breads.
Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze: Moist and warmly spiced, this pumpkin bread topped with a rich maple glaze provides a similar indulgent experience, perfect for serving during the holidays alongside coffee or tea.

Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Star Bread – Best Holiday Dessert

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