Chocolate Hazelnut Star Bread

 

I have been making this bread for Christmas for several years now. When I was starting to plan for this years meals, I went looking for this recipe and realized that I had never posted it on my blog. I have no idea how I could have never posted this delicious bread that has become a tradition for our family on Christmas morning. 

This bread sure looks fancy, but it really is not that complicated. It does take a bit of time, but it is so worth it for a homemade yeast bread layered with delicious hazelnut spread. 

To make Christmas morning more relaxing for me, I prepare the bread the night before and cover with plastic wrap. Then on Christmas morning, I take the bread out of the refrigerator while I preheat the oven and then bake. You can always skip the refrigerate overnight part and allow to rise on the counter and then bake. Directions for both ways will be included in recipe below.

Chocolate Hazelnut Star Bread

Ingredients:

Dough

• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour, divided
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup low fat milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 egg, room temperature

Filling

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup chocolate hazelnut spread

Topping

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• powdered sugar

Directions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add in 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt. With the paddle attachment, mix on low speed until combined.
2. In a microwave safe measuring cup heat the milk until very warm (120º-130ºF), about 45 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Add the warm milk, butter and egg to the flour mixture. Mix until combined. 
4. Add in 1 1/2 cups flour and attach the dough hook. Knead for 4 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should feel tacky, but not stick to your fingers. If needed add additional 1 tablespoon of flour while kneading.
5. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 40 minutes. 
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, place the chocolate hazelnut spread into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 15 seconds or until it is easy to spread.
8. Roll one piece of dough out into a 10 inch circle and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread with 1/3 on the softened butter, leaving a 1/4 inch border. Spread about 3 tablespoons of the chocolate hazelnut spread on leaving 1/2 inch border.
9. Roll out another piece of dough into a 10-inch circle and place on top of the first dough circle. Spread with 1/3 of the softened butter, leaving a 1/4 inch border. Spread about 3 tablespoons of the chocolate hazelnut spread on leaving 1/2 inch border. Repeat this process with another piece of dough.
10. Roll out the last piece of dough into a 10-inch circle and place on top. Place a 2-inch round circle in the center of the dough and press down lightly to leave an imprint. Using a sharp knife, starting at the imprint, cut the circle into 4 equal sections, cutting through all the layers of the dough. Wipe the knife clean and cut each of the four sections into 4 equal sections, making a total of 16 sections of dough.
11. Using both hands, grab 2 adjacent pieces and twist them away from each other and pinch the ends of the strips together firmly. Repeat with remaining strips of dough, creating 8 points. Loosely cover the star with plastic wrap.
12. If baking in the morning, place in the refrigerator and allow to rise overnight. If baking same day, place in a warm place and allow to to rise until puffy, about 35 minutes.
13. Preheat the oven to 375º F. If the star was in the refrigerator, take it out and allow it to warm up while the oven preheats.
14. Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack and allow to cool for 20 minutes.
15. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 9
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 337
Total Fat		7.4g
Saturated Fat		2.8g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0g
Monounsaturated Fat		0g
Cholesterol		27.5mg
Sodium		161mg
Total Carbohydrates		55.8g
Dietary Fiber		2.1g
Sugars		22.5g
Protein		9.1g
Calcium		5.6%
Iron		16.4%
Potassium		154mg
Vitamin A		1.8%
Vitamin C		4.2%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Tutti Dolci.