There’s something magical about baking Sourdough Snowflake Bread during the holiday season. The warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon fills the air as this Christmas Cinnamon Star Bread bakes to golden perfection, its delicate layers forming a stunning snowflake design. Crafted with an active Sourdough Starter, each bite is soft, airy, and infused with a subtle tang that balances the sweet Cinnamon Sugar Star Bread filling. In this guide, you’ll discover the heartfelt story behind this festive loaf, a full ingredients list, shaping methods, baking tips, and answers to common questions—all to help you bake your own shimmering star bread this Christmas.
A Family Tradition Baked with Love
Every family has that one recipe that captures the magic of the holidays, and for ours, it’s Christmas Cinnamon Star Bread. Each December morning, the kitchen fills with the nostalgic scent of cinnamon, sugar, and freshly baked dough—a fragrance that feels like Christmas itself. For years, we made a simple yeasted version, but once we tried transforming it into Sourdough Snowflake Bread, it quickly became a new favorite. The Sourdough Starter gives the dough an irresistible softness and depth of flavor that makes every pull-apart layer truly special.
The process of crafting this Cinnamon Sugar Star Bread is as much about connection as it is about baking. While the dough rises, stories are shared, laughter fills the kitchen, and little hands help sprinkle the sweet, spiced filling. Watching the dough transform into a stunning Star Bread, ready to be sliced and swirled, feels like seeing holiday magic unfold before your eyes. When it emerges from the oven, golden and fragrant, it’s impossible to resist tearing off a warm piece and letting the cinnamon sugar melt on your tongue.
Over time, this Christmas Cinnamon Star Bread has become more than a breakfast treat—it’s a cherished centerpiece in our holiday traditions, symbolizing warmth, family, and love.
Print
Sourdough Snowflake Bread: A Beautiful Christmas Cinnamon Star Bread
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
This festive sourdough star bread features a tender, airy crumb from an active starter and layers of cinnamon sugar, shaped into a stunning snowflake design. Ideal for holiday gatherings, it combines the tang of sourdough with warm cinnamon, finished with melted butter and a dusting of powdered sugar. Follow step-by-step instructions for bulk fermentation, layering, cutting, twisting, and baking to achieve a golden centerpiece that delights with every pull-apart slice.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Mix sourdough starter, flour, sugar, salt, warm milk, softened butter, and egg to form a soft, elastic dough.
2. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature until doubled, about 4–6 hours.
3. Punch down dough, divide into four equal balls, and let rest 10–15 minutes.
4. Roll first ball into a 10-inch circle on parchment and spread cinnamon sugar filling, leaving 1/2 inch border.
5. Repeat rolling and filling for second and third balls, stacking each layer, then top with fourth circle without filling.
6. Place a 2-inch round cutter in center, cut 16 strips from edge to cutter, and remove cutter.
7. Twist each pair of strips twice away from each other and pinch ends to form eight star points.
8. Cover shaped bread and proof in a warm spot until puffy, about 45–60 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake on center rack for 20–25 minutes until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
11. Brush hot bread with melted butter, cool 10–15 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: christmas
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
Keywords: sourdough snowflake bread, christmas cinnamon star bread, star bread, sourdough starter, cinnamon sugar star bread, star-shaped bread, sourdough discard recipe, holiday baking
Why This Bread Captures the Holiday Spirit
Beyond its flavor, Sourdough Snowflake Bread embodies the very essence of Christmas celebration. The snowflake or star design symbolizes unity—individual strands coming together to form one beautiful whole, just like families and friends gathering around a table. Its golden hue glistens with buttery shine, and a dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect snowy touch, turning it into a true Star-shaped Bread With Powdered Sugar masterpiece.
This bread does more than satisfy your sweet tooth—it transforms your holiday table into a winter wonderland. Whether displayed at the center of a brunch spread or given as a handmade gift, this Christmas Cinnamon Star Bread catches everyone’s eye before they even take a bite. It’s an edible decoration, a conversation starter, and a labor of love—all rolled into one. And thanks to the slow fermentation of the Sourdough Starter Recipe, its flavor deepens overnight, creating a balance of tang and sweetness that makes it unforgettable.
When you slice into its soft layers, the love and care baked into each twist shine through. It’s more than just bread—it’s a symbol of giving, sharing, and celebrating the moments that matter most during the holidays. The Sourdough Snowflake Bread reminds us that sometimes, the most memorable gifts are the ones we make with our own hands and heart.
Ingredients, Tools & Preparation Basics
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Sourdough Star Bread
Creating a stunning loaf of Sourdough Snowflake Bread begins with gathering the right ingredients. Each component—from the bubbly Sourdough Starter to the fragrant cinnamon sugar filling—plays a part in achieving that tender, pull-apart texture and festive flavor.
| Component | Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dough | 1 cup active Sourdough Starter, 3 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, ¾ cup warm milk, 2 tbsp butter (softened), 1 egg | Make sure your Sourdough Starter is active and bubbly before mixing. |
| Filling | 3 tbsp softened butter, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon | Mix together to create a smooth, spreadable Cinnamon Sugar Star Bread filling. |
| Topping | 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing), powdered sugar (for dusting) | Adds the signature “snowflake” finish. |
If you maintain a Sourdough Starter, feed it about 8–12 hours before baking so it’s at peak activity. For a Sourdough Discard Recipe, you can add a small amount of yeast to assist with rising, though the flavor will differ slightly. Store your starter in the refrigerator when not in use and feed it with equal parts flour and water weekly.
The dough should be soft, elastic, and slightly tacky—not dry. Butter and milk enrich the texture while sourdough fermentation adds depth of flavor and an airy crumb that pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon filling.
Essential Tools for a Beautiful Star Shape
Your Star Bread benefits from a few essentials that help shape it beautifully:
- Mixing bowls – one large for dough, one small for filling.
- Rolling pin – to flatten dough into uniform circles.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking during assembly.
- Knife or pizza cutter – for clean, symmetrical cuts.
- Kitchen scale – ensures precise measurements.
- Baking sheet – provides even baking and structure.
For symmetry, use a dinner plate as a cutting guide, creating 16 evenly spaced strips before twisting pairs into beautiful points. If you’re short on tools, a wine bottle makes a great rolling pin—what matters is care and patience.
Step-by-Step Method & Baking Tips
Step-by-Step Guide to Shaping the Snowflake
- First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Place kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (4–6 hours). This slow rise develops depth of flavor and a soft crumb characteristic of Sourdough Starter Bread.
- Divide and Shape: Deflate dough, divide into four pieces, shape into balls, and rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Roll and Layer: Roll each piece into a 10-inch circle. Spread cinnamon-sugar filling on the first three layers, leaving edges clean. Top with the fourth layer without filling.
- Mark and Cut: Use a small glass to mark the center, then cut 16 equal strips toward the circle.
- Twist and Pinch: Twist each pair of strips twice in opposite directions and pinch their ends together to form eight radiant points.
- Final Proof: Cover and rise for 45–60 minutes until puffy but not doubled.
- Preheat: Warm oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking to achieve even color and texture.
The sweet cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen as the layers transform into a starry masterpiece. This stage brings out the artistry of Sourdough Snowflake Bread, turning baking into celebration.
Baking, Finishing & Presentation Tips
Baking: Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown, rotating halfway through for even color. The bottom should sound hollow when tapped—a sure sign of doneness.
Finishing: Brush immediately with melted butter for shine. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar for a snowy touch—turning your loaf into a sparkling Star-shaped Bread With Powdered Sugar centerpiece.
Serving: Serve warm, pulling apart layers to reveal cinnamon spirals. Pair with butter, glaze, or honey. At brunch, it pairs beautifully with coffee or hot cocoa.
Storing: Keep at room temperature for two days in an airtight container, or freeze up to one month. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore freshness.
Memories: Each twist makes every loaf unique. The tangy-sweet flavor of Sourdough Snowflake Bread and its radiant star form will fill your holidays with comfort and charm.
FAQs & Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions about Sourdough Snowflake Bread
Can I use sourdough discard? Yes, but your bread will be denser. Add ½ teaspoon of yeast if using a Sourdough Discard Recipe to aid rising.
How long does it stay fresh? Best within 24 hours; sourdough helps maintain softness longer than yeasted versions. Store airtight or freeze portions for later.
Can I make it savory? Absolutely—swap cinnamon for cheese or pesto. The tangy Sourdough Starter Bread pairs just as beautifully with savory fillings.
Can I prepare it overnight? Yes. Refrigerate dough after kneading for 8–12 hours, then shape and bake the next morning.
How do I reheat leftovers? Warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes; avoid microwaving to keep layers intact.
Final Thoughts on This Christmas Cinnamon Star Bread
Baking Sourdough Snowflake Bread captures the warmth and creativity of the season. From tending your Sourdough Starter to twisting each strand, the process is an invitation to slow down and savor tradition.
Sharing this golden loaf means sharing stories, love, and celebration. Its snowflake design and spiced aroma turn every meal into a festive memory worth keeping.
Whether served at breakfast, gifted to friends, or displayed on a holiday table, this Star Bread Recipe radiates joy in every flaky, sugary bite. Sourdough Snowflake Bread truly embodies the spirit of Christmas—one delicious twist at a time.
