Introduction

Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread is a festive and visually stunning treat perfect for holiday breakfasts or special occasions. This delightful bread combines a soft, buttery dough with bright cranberry-orange jam, all shaped into an eye-catching star. With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have an impressive centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks.

A close-up of six twisted pastries arranged in a circle on a white plate, each pastry showing layers of golden brown flaky dough with thick, dark red jam visible between the folds. The pastries are dusted with powdered sugar, adding a light white sprinkle over the warm tones of the dough and jam. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and blurred pine cones are in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp orange zest (finely grated from fresh oranges)

1 tbsp active dry yeast (such as Red Star)

1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature, about 70°F)

1/2 cup sugar

5 large eggs (room temperature)

2 tsp kosher salt

4.25 cups all-purpose flour (preferably King Arthur)

1/2 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)

1/3 cup fresh orange juice

1 cup sugar (for jam)

2.5 cups fresh cranberries

1 large egg (for egg wash)

1 tsp water (for egg wash)

Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Warm the milk to 110°F and combine it with the active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes to bloom. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and kosher salt in the stand mixer bowl.

Step 2: Add the bloomed yeast mixture, eggs, and orange zest to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing between each addition. Knead on low for 10-15 minutes until dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

Step 3: Transfer dough to a spray-oiled bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours until doubled. Refrigerate for 1-1½ hours for cold fermentation.

Step 4: Meanwhile, make the cranberry-orange jam by combining cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer 8-10 minutes until thickened. Blend until smooth and cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Divide chilled dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a 12-inch circle about ¼ inch thick. Place the first circle on a baking sheet, spread ½ cup jam leaving 1-inch border. Repeat layering with remaining dough circles and jam, pressing gently.

Step 6: Press a 4-inch round cookie cutter in the center without removing it, then make 16 cuts from edge to the inner circle to create strips. Twist each pair of strips outward 2-3 times and pinch ends to form star points.

Step 7: Cover loosely and let the shaped bread rise 1-2 hours until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush with egg wash (egg mixed with water) to shine.

Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until deep golden and cooked through (internal temp about 190°F). Cool on baking sheet 5-10 minutes, then on a wire rack completely.

Step 9: Once cooled, dust generously with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

Sift the flour before mixing to ensure even salt distribution and a smoother dough.

Letting the dough rest in the fridge enhances flavor and makes it easier to shape.

Use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest citrus notes in the jam.

Swap out cranberries for raspberry or strawberry jam for a different flavor twist.

Brush the star points carefully with egg wash for an even, golden crust.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it cold ferment in the refrigerator overnight to develop more flavor and make shaping easier.

What if I don’t have a 4-inch cookie cutter for the center?

You can use any round object of similar size, such as a glass rim, or carefully trace and cut a circle by hand with a knife.

Dessert

Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe