Cinnamon-Cardamom Holiday Star Bread

Method

1. 01

   Combine yeast, warm water, and warm milk (100-110°F) in a mixer bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes to activate until foamy. Stir in sugar, ground cardamom, one beaten egg, and melted butter.

   

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2. 02

   Add the flour and salt. Use a dough hook to knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. Shape into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl; cover and let rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

   

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3. 03

   Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll the first portion into a circle about 11-12 inches wide on a piece of parchment paper. Brush the surface generously with a mixture of melted butter and beaten egg, leaving a small border at the edge.

   

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4. 04

   Sprinkle the dough circle with cinnamon sugar and a layer of chopped dried fruits and nuts. Repeat this process with the next two portions of dough, stacking them on top of each other with filling in between. Top with the final rolled-out dough circle.

   

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5. 05

   Place a 3-inch wide glass or cutter in the center to mark a circle (do not cut through). Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the dough from the edge of the center mark to the outside into 16 equal strips (cut into quarters, then eighths, then sixteenths).

   

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6. 06

   Take two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other twice. Pinch the two ends together firmly to create a point. Repeat around the circle to create an 8-pointed star. Cover with a towel and let proof for 45 minutes until slightly puffy.

   

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7. 07

   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the entire surface of the star thoroughly with the remaining butter-egg wash. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until deep golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

   

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