Christmas Morning Star Bread

Featured Recipe: Star Bread

Video tutorial: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/star-bread/

Have you ever seen or witnessed something so beautiful that you just couldn't wait to share it with someone? Like the perfect gift for a loved one that catches your eye so strongly, that you scrimp and save for it in order to see their reaction opening it up on Christmas morning? Or a Christmas light display so out of this world that you feel like you walked right up to the Griswold's home 🎄? Or in my case, a beautiful pastry that looks WAY too difficult to make, let alone give as a gift to somebody...but I tried it anyway...and WONDER of WONDERS it actually turned out 😁!!!

Star Bread is not only beautiful and tasty, but is extremely doable and is the perfect Christmas morning breakfast! Now I must be honest....I made it using the "shortcut" method this time around, using crescent roll dough instead of making my own. I had all the intentions of trying to make it with homemade dough as well, but tis the season for busyness!! Trust me, if you are looking for a special treat for your family, and still have time to shop, the shortcut version does not lack in presentation or flavor!

Shopping List: 4 tubes of crescent roll dough PLUS whatever you want to use for filling – Nutella is divine (and my personal favorite so far) 😋. Cinnamon & sugar is also quite good. You could also use jams, chopped nuts, or even turn it into a savory star using pesto, parmesan and more. Feel free to get creative!

For a good visual on how to twist the bread into shape, please visit the video link attached to the top of this blog (Hint – if you desire to make your own dough, the original recipe is also in that link).

I have put the steps into pictures below. I have to be honest, the entire experience was a thrill for me! I have made 2 so far, and the second one given as a gift went much smoother and quicker (about 1 hour total from start to golden brown finish!)

Tip: Unroll the dough onto the parchment paper 

that you will be baking on! It saves a step!

Tip #1: Unlike what the recipe link mentions, I found it rather easy to spread the Nutella and did not microwave it first. 

Tip #2: Use a pie pan to shape your dough - then place your scraps in it to bake it up for a tasty treat for your family when you are finished (350 until golden brown)! Break off the crescent roll pieces and enjoy with soup 

or spread butter (or Nutella) on it!

Tip #1: Spray the bottom of your cup or ramekin with non stick cooking spray so it doesn't stick to the dough.

Tip #2: Start your initial cuts at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. 

Then cut into 1/8's and then finally 1/16's.

Tip #3: Try to use a "rocking" motion when cutting the dough - this will help prevent it from dough sticking to the knife and being stretched. 

Tip: Pinch it together completely - pinching the ends together ensures that it stays in that shape when you bake it!

Tip: To make it "snow", take a 1/4 tsp of powdered sugar and let it fall through a sifter high above the star!

Star Bread is best served warm from the oven or gifted to a friend as soon as possible for freshness! Don't forget to bake your "scrap dough" for your enjoyment (although it won't be as pretty!). I plan to make this for my family again on Christmas morning, and I am also looking forward to trying it using fresh, homemade dough soon!

This Star Bread also makes me think of another beautiful thing that MUST be shared – the Christmas Star that shone above the stable where Jesus was born. Immanuel, God with Us. God with Us...He sacrificed His heavenly home so that we could experience grace, forgiveness, mercy, and eternal life. He didn’t have to…He wanted to…and it is because Love came down and lived among us, died and rose again that I can have joy in this life and great hope in the next. Thank you Jesus, may you receive all the love, honor and glory you are due this Christmas and every day of my life. Happy Birthday Jesus!...and Merry Christmas!

Star Bread

Featured recipe: Star Bread - https://tiphero.com/nutella-star

Video tutorial: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/star-bread/

Cooking With Kristia – I would love your feedback!

1. What beautiful thing have you witnessed this Christmas that you would like to share?

2. What is the most beautiful & tasty thing you have baked or cooked?

3. What can you offer as a personal gift to Jesus this year?

Please feel free to share and comment below.