Sourdough Discard Star Bread | Festive Holiday Dessert

The scent of cinnamon and butter fills the air, the oven hums softly, and this Sourdough Discard Star Bread rises like a warm hug on a cold December morning. It’s festive, soft, and swirled with caramelized cinnamon layers that pull apart beautifully. Using sourdough discard adds a gentle tang, making this bread both tender and flavorful and surprisingly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread looks like a masterpiece, but it’s wonderfully approachable. The soft, golden layers hide a sweet, spiced filling that bakes into a fragrant holiday treat. The sourdough discard brings depth without the need for a long fermentation, and every twist reveals more buttery cinnamon goodness. It’s ideal for holiday mornings, family gatherings, or gifting something homemade and heartfelt.

Key Ingredients

For the Dough

Warm milk creates a tender crumb, while sugar feeds the yeast and adds sweetness. Active dry yeast gives the dough lift and softness. The egg brings richness and structure, while the sourdough discard adds flavor and moisture. All-purpose flour provides a sturdy yet soft texture, butter adds flavor, and salt balances every bite. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s smooth and elastic.

For the Filling

Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon come together to form a gooey, caramel-like swirl. The dark brown sugar deepens the flavor, and a little cornstarch or flour can help prevent leaking during baking. You can swap cinnamon for cardamom, ginger, or pumpkin spice for a twist. For something new, mix in orange zest or crushed nuts for texture.

For the Egg Wash and Topping

An egg whisked with milk or cream creates a shiny, golden crust. Once baked, a light dusting of powdered sugar gives it a snowy, festive finish perfect for a holiday dessert table.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Star Bread

Step 1 – Make the Dough

Warm the milk to about 100–110°F, then mix it with sugar and yeast. Let it sit until foamy. Next, whisk in the egg and sourdough discard. Add flour, butter, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic — about 8–10 minutes with a dough hook or by hand. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2 – First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled, about one hour. If your kitchen is cool, place it near a warm oven or inside a turned-off microwave with a cup of hot water.

Step 3 – Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, combine butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional flour or cornstarch. Stir until smooth and spreadable. Set aside while the dough rises.

Step 4 – Shape the Star

Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll one ball into a 10-inch circle on parchment paper. Spread half the filling evenly on top. Roll out the second ball, place it over the first, and spread the remaining filling. Top with the third layer of dough. Place a small glass in the center and cut the circle into 16 equal strips, leaving the middle intact. Twist each pair of strips away from each other 4–5 times, then pinch the ends to form points.

Step 5 – Second Rise

Cover the shaped bread and let it rise again until puffy, about one hour. Near the end, preheat the oven to 350°F so it’s ready for baking.

Step 6 – Bake and Finish

Brush the bread with egg wash and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until deep golden brown. The surface should feel firm, and the bottom should sound hollow when tapped. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Star Bread

Shape your star directly on parchment to avoid moving it later. If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 10 minutes before rolling. Avoid overproofing; otherwise, the layers may puff unevenly. A little filling may leak — that’s normal. For even twists, count your rotations and pinch each end firmly to seal.

Flavor Variations & Creative Twists

Flavoring the Dough

Add orange zest, lemon zest, or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a bright, festive aroma. Almond extract adds a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

Sweet Filling Ideas

Try Nutella, cookie butter, or your favorite jam for something different. Chocolate-hazelnut or spiced apple butter both create delicious variations.

Savory Options

Reduce the sugar in the dough and fill with pesto, shredded cheese, or garlic butter. Bake as usual and serve warm as a pull-apart appetizer.

Toppings & Finishes

Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle a thin vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting. For a cozy winter look, dust with cocoa or cinnamon sugar.

Make Ahead & Storage Guide

You can assemble the bread, cover it, and refrigerate overnight after the second rise. Bring it to room temperature before baking the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh. You can also freeze baked star bread and thaw before serving. For mini versions, divide the dough into six smaller stars.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this star bread as a Christmas brunch centerpiece or on a dessert platter beside Peppermint bark brownies for Christmas indulgence. It pairs beautifully with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or a strong cup of coffee. Add it to your cookie trays alongside Soft pumpkin snickerdoodles with a holiday twist or Crumbl pumpkin pie cookies for festive gatherings.

More Such Recipes

• Pumpkin cheesecake bars with creamy layers
• Easy cherry pie bars for holiday dessert trays
• Mini pumpkin cheesecakes for cozy celebrations
• Simple cherry cake recipe for winter dessert tables

Final Thoughts

There’s something joyful about baking this Sourdough Discard Star Bread during the holidays. Each twist reveals buttery sweetness, and the golden layers feel like a celebration in themselves. It’s simple enough for beginners yet beautiful enough for any Christmas table. Bake it ahead, share it with family, and watch how fast it disappears. For more ideas and festive inspiration, visit Kai Recipes on Pinterest or follow us on Facebook.

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