Cinnamon Star Bread

I was very perplexed by this recipe. I could not figure out by the directions how it got into this shape. I understood the twisting part but then was at a loss. The website didn't have a video or pictures - was I just being dense? Well once I cut the dough into the 16 pieces and twisted - DUH - it was a little clearer. I decided to include pictures for those of you that need a visual.

Cinnamon Star Bread (Adapted from King Arthur Flour)

3/4 c warm milk (100-110 degrees)
2T sugar
2 t yeast
4T butter
2 c flour
1 t salt
1/3 c instant mashed potato flakes*
1 t vanilla

Filling
1 lg egg, beaten
1/3 c sugar
2T cinnamon

Combine milk, sugar, and yeast in a small measuring cup. Mix well and set aside. Place butter, flour, salt, instant mashed potatoes and vanilla in a large bowl. After yeast is bubbly add to dry ingredients. Mix with dough hook until dough is smooth and soft. (Or mix by hand and then knead by hand until smooth and soft). Place in a greased bowl and let sit for 1 hour or until doubled.

Divide dough into 4 even pieces. Shape each into a ball and cover. Let rest 15 minutes. Mix cinnamon and sugar together - set aside. On a floured work surface roll one dough ball into a 10 inch round. Place onto parchment on a baking sheet. Brush egg then sprinkle 1/3 of the cinnamon sugar.

Roll out next ball of dough and repeat. Leave the top dough circle bare. Put egg aside for later use (I goofed here and tossed the egg).

Place a cookie cutter or small glass in the center of the dough.

Make four cuts in the dough from the glass to the edge - dividing the dough into four equal pieces. Now cut each of the four pieces into four strips - you will have a total of 16 strips.

Now take a strip in each hand and give it two twists in opposite directions. Do this to all 16 stripes.

Now take two ends and pinch together like so.

Cover and let rise about 45 minutes until puffy.

Brush with egg (or if you threw the egg out use milk) and bake at 400 for 12-15 minutes until browned (200 degrees). Cool 10 minutes before serving.

See really easy but looks pretty darn good and tastes even better. The cinnamon I used was really strong (and I like cinnamon). So you can adjust the cinnamon sugar accordingly.

*I know you are shocked that I have these in the house right? Well check out these little beauties and you will see why.

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