Cinnamon Star Bread (AKA Snowflake Bread)

Dough Recipe:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and eggs. Add in 3 cups of flour flour. Use a dough hook and turn on to a low speed. Once the flour starts to incorporate into the dough, increase the speed to medium.
2. Add up to 1/2 cup of additional 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. The dough mixture should be soft and tacky, but not stick to your hands.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased mixing bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Shaping and Baking Instructions:

1. Once risen, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13x18 baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle roughly 12 inches in diameter (or slightly smaller than your baking sheet).
3. Place the first dough circle on the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread 1-2 tablespoons softened butter on top in an even layer, leaving 1/4 inch border around the edge of the circle.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle ⅓ of the mixture over the buttered dough. Repeat the layering process with the second and third circles. Place the final circle on top without butter or cinnamon sugar.
5. 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.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
6. Take two of the strands and twist in opposite directions, 2-3 times, and then pinch the edges firmly to seal. Continue twisting pieces together until all pieces are twisted and you have a large star shape. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
7. Bake immediately (no rising) in the preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Once cooled, serve plain, frost with your favorite frosting, or dust with powdered sugar.⁣⁣