Ingredients:
Dough:
– 1 package instant dry yeast
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (cut into tablespoons)
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 teaspoon salt
Filling:
– 1/2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/3 cup orange juice
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/3 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Egg Wash:
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon water
For Serving:
– Confectioners sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
Dough:
1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Let it sit for 2 to 5 minutes until yeast begins to bubble.
2. Add butter and eggs, mixing with the paddle attachment until combined.
3. Incorporate 3 1/2 cups of flour, orange zest, and salt. Mix until combined.
4. Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead for 5 minutes. Gradually add remaining flour if needed until dough forms and passes the elasticity test.
5. Form dough into a ball, place in a bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Filling:
1. In a pan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Heat over medium heat.
2. Bring to a low boil and cook for 5 minutes until cranberries burst. Mash until combined.
3. Simmer for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until sauce thickens. Set aside.
Assembly:
1. Divide dough into 4 equal parts and roll one ball into a 12-inch circle.
2. Place dough on a prepared baking pan lined with parchment paper.
3. Spread a third of the filling over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch edge.
4. Layer another circle of dough on top, repeating filling and layering until ending with the final dough circle.
5. Cut the dough around a center cup, then into quarters, and then eighths. Twist two pieces together and pinch ends. Repeat for all sections.
6. Remove cup and let bread rise for 45 minutes.
Egg Wash:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk egg and water, then brush over the bread.
3. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Finishing:
1. Remove from oven, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs if desired. Enjoy your Cranberry Star Bread!