Christmas Morning Star Bread – Best Holiday Treat Recipe

Wake up to the aroma of freshly baked Christmas Morning Star Bread, a dazzling treat that brings warmth and magic to your holiday breakfast table. This star-shaped sweet bread combines layers of rich, buttery dough with a fragrant orange and cinnamon sugar filling, topped with a luscious pecan caramel sauce. Whether you’re serving a crowd or savoring a cozy morning with loved ones, this stunning bread is the perfect blend of flavor and festive spirit.

A Holiday Bread Worth Waking Up For

What makes Christmas Morning Star Bread so special? It’s not just the showstopping appearance — it’s the buttery, cinnamon-swirled layers that evoke cozy memories and fill your kitchen with nostalgic holiday scents. This bread is infused with warming spices, citrus zest, and a sweet nutty topping that makes it both indulgent and comforting. Best of all, it’s easier to shape than it looks, making it a fun and rewarding baking project for the season.

Festive Ingredients That Build Flavor

• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise, creating a fluffy, soft bread texture.
• Whole Milk: Infused with cinnamon sticks, it adds warmth and creaminess to the dough.
• Brown Butter: Rich, nutty flavor that enhances the festive taste.
• Eggs: Add structure and richness to the dough.
• Vanilla & Almond Extracts: Provide sweet, aromatic notes.
• Orange Zest: Offers bright citrus flavor that complements the spices.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it structure and elasticity.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Cinnamon, Cloves & Brown Sugar (Filling): Classic holiday flavors that add spice and sweetness.
• Softened Butter (Filling): Makes the sugar mixture spreadable and delicious.
• Raw Sugar: Adds a crunchy, golden crust when baked.
• Pecans: Bring a nutty crunch and richness to the caramel topping.
• Heavy Cream & Brown Sugar (Caramel Sauce): Create a smooth, decadent finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Lightly dusted on top for an elegant holiday touch.

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

• Milk Alternative: Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version of the dough.
• Butter Substitute: Swap for vegan butter to make it plant-based.
• Nut-Free: Omit pecans in the caramel sauce or use sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Orange Zest: Try lemon zest if that’s what you have on hand.
• Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar works well for a more natural sweetener.

How to Make Christmas Morning Star Bread

1. Activate the Yeast
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together ¼ cup warm water and 1 tablespoon + ¾ teaspoon active dry yeast. Let sit for 20 minutes until foamy.
2. Infuse the Milk
   Combine ¾ cup whole milk and 2 cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat for 10 minutes, just until it begins to simmer. Strain out the cinnamon sticks.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
   Add the cinnamon milk to the yeast mixture along with ¼ cup sugar, 6 oz browned and cooled butter, and 3 beaten eggs. Whisk until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and 1 teaspoon orange zest.
4. Make the Dough
   Add 3¾ cups flour and 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Using a dough hook, mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Add more flour (up to 4 cups total) as needed until the dough pulls away from the sides. Knead for 2 minutes, then transfer to a floured bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Prepare the Filling
   Mix 8 oz softened butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon cloves, ½ teaspoon orange zest, and ¼ teaspoon salt until smooth.
6. Shape the Star Bread
   Punch down the risen dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about ⅛-inch thick. Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread ⅓ of the filling over the surface, leaving a slight border. Repeat with the remaining layers, ending with a plain dough circle on top.
7. Create the Star
   Gently press the edges to seal. Use a glass to mark a small circle in the center. Cut the dough around the center into 16 equal strips. Take two strips and twist them outward twice, then pinch the ends to seal. Repeat with all remaining pairs to form the star shape.
8. Final Rise and Bake
   Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon milk and brush over the dough. Sprinkle generously with raw sugar. Bake for 20 minutes, then cover loosely with foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
9. Make the Pecan Caramel Sauce
   In a saucepan, combine 4 oz butter, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 cinnamon stick, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup chopped pecans and ½ teaspoon salt, then simmer another 5 minutes until thickened.
10. Serve
    Let the bread cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm pecan caramel sauce on the side.

Tips for a Perfect Christmas Star Bread

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: They mix more evenly and improve dough consistency.
• Don’t Overflour: Add just enough to handle the dough — too much can make the bread dense.
• Keep It Warm: For optimal rising, let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free area.
• Twist With Care: Ensure your slices are even to create a balanced star.
• Caramel Too Thick? Gently reheat with a splash of cream to loosen it.

Serving Ideas and Creative Variations

• Holiday Brunch Centerpiece: Pair with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit for a full meal.
• Sweet Glaze Alternative: Instead of caramel, drizzle a simple orange icing over the top.
• Spiced Version: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for deeper holiday flavor.
• Make Ahead Tip: Shape the bread the night before and refrigerate. Bring to room temp before baking in the morning.
• Mini Versions: Make smaller individual star breads for brunch parties or gifts.

The Sweet Story Behind Star Bread

Christmas Morning Star Bread isn’t just a recipe — it’s a holiday tradition in the making. Its intricate star shape symbolizes joy and celebration, making it a fitting centerpiece for your Christmas morning table. With roots in European baking and the soul of a cinnamon roll, this bread merges tradition with indulgence. Whether you bake it once a year or make it part of your winter weekends, it’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and share something beautiful with the people you love.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like starting the holiday with Christmas Morning Star Bread — a golden, cinnamon-spiced centerpiece that brings everyone together. Its rich, buttery layers filled with fragrant brown sugar and citrus, finished with a decadent pecan caramel sauce, make it unforgettable. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying it for the first time, this recipe adds a touch of magic to Christmas morning. It’s festive, comforting, and destined to become a yearly tradition.

FAQ About Christmas Morning Star Bread

More Relevant Recipes

• Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Sourdough Bread: This cozy, spiced loaf blends the earthy flavor of pumpkin with sweet cinnamon swirls — a perfect autumnal counterpart to Christmas Morning Star Bread. It’s a stunning bake for breakfast or dessert, especially during holiday gatherings.
• Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: Bursting with seasonal spices and topped with a buttery crumble, these muffins deliver all the comforting flavors of fall. Their soft, moist texture and aromatic spice profile align beautifully with the flavor notes in star bread.
• Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze: Rich, moist, and topped with a silky glaze, this pumpkin loaf makes a wonderful companion to Christmas Morning Star Bread. The maple glaze adds a sweet depth that enhances the holiday vibe in every bite.

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