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Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 133 reviews

This Homemade Cranberry Orange Star Bread is a festive and visually stunning braided bread layered with a tangy cranberry-orange jam. Featuring a soft, rich dough infused with fresh orange zest and studded with a homemade smooth cranberry filling, this bread is perfect for holiday brunches or special occasions. The star shape is created by twisting layers of dough and jam, resulting in a flavorful, tender loaf with a golden, glossy crust dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 tbsp orange zest (finely grated from fresh oranges)
  • 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 freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2.5 cups fresh cranberries

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp water

For Finishing:

  • Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting over cooled bread)

Instructions

  1. Bloom 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 frothy to ensure the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: While the yeast blooms, sift together the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and kosher salt in the stand mixer bowl to remove lumps and evenly distribute salt.
  3. Combine Dough Ingredients: Add the bloomed yeast mixture, 5 room temperature eggs, and orange zest to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Incorporate Butter: Gradually add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing on low speed between each addition. Continue kneading on low speed for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and tacky but not sticky.
  5. First Rise: Transfer dough to a spray-oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or damp towel, and let rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours until roughly doubled in size.
  6. Cold Fermentation: Refrigerate the dough for 1-1½ hours to firm it up and develop deeper flavor.
  7. Prepare Cranberry-Orange Jam: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cranberries, 1 cup sugar, and orange juice. Boil, then simmer for 8-10 minutes until cranberries break down and mixture thickens. Blend until smooth and cool to room temperature.
  8. Roll Dough Circles: Divide chilled dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each on parchment to 12-inch circles about ¼-inch thick.
  9. Layer Dough and Jam: Place first dough circle on baking sheet, spread ½ cup cooled jam leaving 1-inch border. Repeat with remaining circles and jam layers, pressing gently to adhere.
  10. Cut and Shape Star: Press a 4-inch cookie cutter into center of stack without removing, then remove cutter. Cut 16 evenly spaced cuts from edge towards the center circle, stopping just before. Twist adjacent pairs 2-3 times outward and pinch ends to form star points.
  11. Second Rise: Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours until puffy and slightly risen.
  12. Preheat Oven and Egg Wash: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix 1 egg with 1 tsp water and brush over the risen bread, coating twisted points evenly.
  13. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches ~190°F. A skewer should come out clean.
  14. Cool and Finish: Cool on baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Sifting flour helps create an evenly seasoned and lump-free dough.
  • Cold fermentation in the fridge enhances flavor and makes dough easier to handle.
  • Jam must be cooled before assembling bread to prevent uneven proofing.
  • Twisting dough strips carefully creates the signature star pulls and layers.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
  • Room temperature eggs and warm milk help yeast activate and integrate smoothly.

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