Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe

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Cozy Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe, Made Simple

There’s something truly inviting about a star-shaped bread glistening with a fragrant cranberry-orange filling. This Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe is my go-to when I want a showstopper that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly morning. It’s perfect for holidays, lazy weekends, or whenever you feel like baking something special that fills your kitchen with a citrusy-sweet aroma. I love how the buttery, golden layers twist into a beautiful star, making every slice a little celebration. And you’ll find the combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest perfectly balanced with just enough sweetness. It’s both an impressive centerpiece and a comforting treat to enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. Stick with me here—I’ll walk you through each step, so you can easily master this delightful recipe and wow your family and friends with minimal stress.

Ingredient Lowdown

• Orange zest: Freshly grated to brighten the dough with natural citrus oils.
• Active dry yeast: My trusted Red Star helps create that perfect rise and fluffy crumb.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temp for easy blending—boosts richness and tenderness.
• Sugar: Balances tartness and adds a subtle sweetness to both dough and jam.
• Eggs: Bring richness and help with dough structure; room temperature blends better.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors—don’t skip or reduce!
• All-purpose flour: I love King Arthur for its consistency and great gluten formation.
• Whole milk: Warmed just right to wake up the yeast without killing it.
• Cranberries: Fresh, tart, and vibrant—key to that signature star bread filling.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed really lifts the jam’s brightness and depth.
• Egg wash (egg + water): Gives a golden, shiny crust.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Dust at the end for an elegant, snowy finish.

Set Up for Success

Before you dive into mixing dough or simmering jam, prepping your space is a game changer. I like to measure and organize ingredients first—especially since this recipe has a few components. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when the dough finishes proofing. Also, line your baking sheet with parchment; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step-by-Step: Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe

1. Bloom the yeast: Warm your milk to about 110°F—that cozy warmth you’d feel on your wrist—and stir in the yeast. Let it rest for 10 minutes, until it’s foamy and alive. This step is key; it ensures a lively, airy dough.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In your mixer bowl, sift the flour, sugar, and kosher salt. Sifting removes lumps and helps distribute the salt evenly—treating your dough with care from the start.
3. Combine dough base: Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vibrant orange zest to the dry ingredients. Mix on low, watching the dough gather into a shaggy mass. Then, slowly fold in the softened butter—one tablespoon at a time. This slow butter incorporation creates that tender, layered texture you’ll adore.
4. Knead until perfect: Keep the mixer humming on low for 10-15 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. It’s a wonderful feeling watching the transformation to a supple, springy ball.
5. First rise: Transfer dough to a sprayed bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles—usually 1 to 2 hours. This is when the magic of yeast fully develops that toasty, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen.
6. Chill the dough: Pop that risen dough into the fridge for another 1 to 1½ hours. Cold fermentation isn’t mandatory, but trust me—it makes the dough easier to work with and builds complex flavors you won’t want to skip.
7. Make the cranberry-orange jam: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and fresh orange juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the berries burst and the jam thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Blend smooth and cool. You’ll get a luscious, spreadable filling that’s bursting with tang and sweetness.
8. Roll and layer dough circles: Divide the chilled dough into four parts. Roll each into a 12-inch round on parchment. Layer them on your baking sheet, spreading jam between each—reserve a 1-inch edge around each layer. Stack carefully and press gently to bond.
9. Shape your star: Using a 4-inch cutter, press gently into the center stack without removing the dough. Then cut 16 even stripes from edge to just before the center circle. Twist pairs of strips outward 2-3 times and pinch ends to form the iconic star points. The dough feels soft but sturdy, perfect for shaping.
10. Proof once more: Cover your star bread loosely with plastic and let it rise for another hour or two until puffy and cozy. I like to encourage a warm spot for an even rise—top of a turned-off oven works beautifully.
11. Prepare to bake: Brush the star bread with an egg wash for that gorgeous golden glow. Coat the twists and points generously—they’ll catch the eye right out of the oven.
12. Bake & cool: Into the hot oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until deeply golden and done inside (190°F internal temp is ideal). Let cool a bit on the pan, then transfer to a rack. Once fully cooled, dust with confectioners’ sugar for that elegant snow-kissed finish everyone admires.

Flavor Twists for Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe

• Swap cranberries for spiced apple butter for a cozy fall vibe.
• Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts between layers for crunch.
• Try lemon zest and blueberry jam for a fresh summer take.
• Stir in a teaspoon of ground cardamom or cinnamon in the dough for warm spice.
• Use dried cherries and a drizzle of white chocolate glaze after baking for an indulgent treat.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature up to 3 days.
• Freeze fully cooled bread in airtight bags for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge.
• Refresh by warming slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds.
• You can prepare cranberry-orange jam up to 3 days ahead and keep refrigerated.
• Shape the star bread and refrigerate covered overnight to bake fresh next day.

Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe FAQs

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
  Yes! Reduce the yeast amount slightly and add it directly to flour. But slightly adjust rising times as instant yeast works faster.
• What if my dough is sticky when shaping?
  Lightly flour your work surface and hands, but avoid adding too much flour—it can dry out your bread.
• How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
  Besides the beautiful golden color, the internal temp should reach about 190°F. A skewer inserted into the thickest spot should come out clean.
• Can I make this bread vegan?
  You could experiment with plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg substitutes, but texture and rise may differ significantly.
• Is there a shortcut version?
  While tempting, this bread’s charm lies in the slow rises and shaping—rushing steps might affect texture and flavor.

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