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Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 157 reviews

This Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread is a festive and visually stunning bread featuring layers of soft, buttery dough infused with fresh orange zest and a luscious cranberry-orange jam filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special breakfasts, this bread combines a tender crumb with bright, tangy flavors and a delicate dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

  • 1 tbsp orange zest (finely grated from fresh oranges for vibrant flavor)
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast (Red Star recommended)
  • 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 (King Arthur preferred)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)

For the cranberry-orange jam:

  • 1/3 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2.5 cups fresh cranberries

For the egg wash:

  • 1 tsp water
  • 1 large egg

For finishing:

  • Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting over cooled bread)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm the milk to 110°F and combine it with the active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture blooms, ensuring the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare the dough: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together sifted flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and kosher salt. Add the bloomed yeast mixture, 5 room temperature eggs, and orange zest. Mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes to form a shaggy dough. Gradually incorporate softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Continue kneading on low speed for 10-15 minutes until dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  3. First rise and cold fermentation: Transfer dough to a spray-oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours until doubled. Then refrigerate for 1 to 1½ hours to develop flavor and improve workability.
  4. Make the cranberry-orange jam: In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar, and orange juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce to simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes until cranberries break down and mixture thickens. Blend with an immersion blender or food processor until smooth. Let cool to room temperature.
  5. Shape the dough layers: Remove dough from refrigerator. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece on parchment paper into a 12-inch circle about ¼-inch thick. Place first circle on baking sheet, spread ½ cup of cooled jam leaving a 1-inch border. Repeat layering and spreading jam with next two circles, topping with the fourth circle and pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Cut and twist to shape star: Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter, press into center of dough stack without removing it. Remove cutter carefully. Cut dough from edge toward center, making 16 cuts stopping before the inner circle to form 8 pairs of strips. Twist each pair 2-3 times outward and pinch ends to form star points. Repeat for all pairs.
  7. Second rise: Cover shaped bread loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours until puffy and slightly risen, ideally in a slightly warm spot.
  8. Preheat oven and apply egg wash: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix 1 large egg with 1 tsp water and brush evenly over the risen bread, focusing on twisted points for a golden shine.
  9. Bake and cool: Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until deep golden brown and a skewer inserted in thickest part comes out clean; internal temperature should be about 190°F. Cool on baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Finish with sugar dusting: Once cooled, dust generously with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for best dough texture and rise.
  • The cold fermentation improves flavor complexity and dough handling.
  • Ensure the jam is fully cooled before spreading to prevent uneven proofing.
  • You can freeze the dough after the first rise for up to a week; thaw before continuing.
  • Serve the star bread sliced with butter or cream cheese for an extra special treat.

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Star Bread, Holiday Bread, Layered Bread, Festive Bread, Homemade Bread, Sweet Bread, Cranberry Orange Jam

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/homemade-cranberry-orange-star-bread-recipe/