Star Bread (AKA Snowflake Bread)

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can knead this dough by hand! Start out by stirring with a spoon until you can’t do it anymore, and then knead it by hand. Just keep on kneading until all the flour is incorporated and/or the dough is soft to the touch and only slightly sticky. It’s a bit of a workout, but it’s worth it!

Topping Options:

• Basic Glaze (whisk together until drizzle-able consistency)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or other flavored extract)
• Powdered Sugar
  • Dust semi-cooled loaf with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Cream Cheese Frosting (whip cheese and butter, then beat in remaining ingredients)
  • 2 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
• Egg Wash (whisk together and brush on top of shaped bread)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Savory Filling Options:

• Garlic Bread (mix all together and spread on each layer)
  • 1/3 cup softened butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
• Pesto Parmesan (spread butter on each layer and top with pesto and parmesan)
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Gruyere Onion (spread butter on each layer and top with cheese and onion)
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1/2 cup caramelized onions
  • 1/2 cup shredded grueyere cheese

Sweet Filling Options:

• Orange (whip together and spread on each layer)
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
• Baklava (blend nuts, sugar, and spices and sprinkle on top of butter)
  • 1/2 pound pistachios almonds, walnuts or a combination
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup salted butter softened
• Nutella (spread on each layer)
• Strawberry Cream Cheese (spread cream cheese and top with jam for each layer)
  • 4 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup strawberry jam
• Almond (whip together and spread on each layer)
  • 1/2 cup almond paste
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar