Orange star bread is a tasty pull-apart bread recipe that is just as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the stomach. Made with orange extract that is full of fresh citrus flavor, it’s easy to make and a deliciously unique option for dessert or brunch!
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, orange extract yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and eggs. Add in flour. Use a dough hook and turn on to low speed.
Once the flour starts to incorporate into the dough, increase the speed to a medium range. Add more flour as necessary so that the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
The dough mixture should be soft and tacky, but not stick to your hands. Add more or less flour until the dough reaches the desired consistency. The amount of flour you add in bread making is always an approximation and you should go by feel.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased mixing bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise until double in size, about 1 hour.
Orange Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, and orange zest. Set to the side.
Shaping and Baking Instructions:
Take dough and divide it into 4 even pieces. Roll each piece into a large circle, roughly the width of your baking sheet.
Lay one circle down onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Spread 1/3 of the orange mixture across the dough leaving 1/4 inch around the edge of the circle.
Continue layering with the remaining pieces, spreading 1/3 of the orange filling on each layer, but leave the 4th and final piece plain on top.
Use a small 2-inch bowl to mark the center (or eyeball it) and then use a knife to cut 16 equal strands, leaving the small circle in the center.
Take 2 of the strands and twist in opposite directions, 1-2 times, and then pinch the edges shut to seal. Continue twisting pieces together until all pieces are twisted and you have a large star shape.
Bake immediately (no rising) in a 350 degree F oven for 20-25 minutes. Once cooled, serve plain, topped with a simple glaze,or dust with powdered sugar.
Simple Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of water or milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add more water or milk as needed to create a thin consistency that can easily be drizzled over the dough. Drizzle over fully baked and cooled star bread and sprinkle with orange zest.
Notes
See website for other flavor variations including fillings and toppings. www.thestayathomechef.com