Description
Mexican festive star blossom bread shines as a delightful centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Delicate layers and intricate design promise a memorable culinary experience you’ll savor with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450 g (3 ¾ cups) bread flour
- 7 g (2 ¼ tsps) instant yeast
- 70 g (⅓ cup) white granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 30 g (¼ cup) butter
- 6 tbsps softened unsalted butter
- 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Warm milk and butter to body temperature, then dissolve yeast until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
- Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift bread flour, sugar, and salt together in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry base.
- Dough Formation: Create a central well in the dry ingredients, then pour in activated yeast mixture, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Knead methodically for 10-12 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- First Fermentation: Transfer dough to an oiled container, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free space until volume doubles.
- Filling Creation: Whip softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Dough Shaping: Divide dough into four equal portions, rolling each into thin circular discs. Layer the discs, spreading cinnamon-sugar mixture between layers, leaving the top layer bare.
- Star Configuration: Mark a central ring, slice the stacked dough into 16 radial strips. Twist paired strips and pinch ends together to create an intricate star-like pattern.
- Final Proofing: Cover shaped bread with a damp cloth, allowing a brief second rise to enhance volume and lightness.
- Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the surface with egg whites to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
- Baking and Finishing: Bake for approximately 20 minutes, watching carefully to prevent over-browning, until the bread becomes a rich, amber-hued masterpiece.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure milk and butter are lukewarm, not hot, to preserve yeast’s living organisms and promote proper rising.
- Kneading Technique: Develop a consistent, rhythmic motion while working the dough to develop gluten structure and achieve a smooth, elastic texture.
- Temperature Matters: Maintain a warm, draft-free environment during proofing to help the dough rise evenly and develop optimal flavor.
- Golden Finish Trick: Egg white wash creates a beautiful, shiny crust and helps achieve an even, appetizing brown color during baking.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 211
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 48 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg