I recently made this Cinnamon Star Bread and absolutely loved how beautifully it turned out. It looks like a festive centerpiece but tastes like a warm, soft cinnamon roll with a sweet cream cheese finish. It’s cozy, impressive, and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or any morning when I want something special. I enjoy how simple the dough is and how the twisting technique creates such a stunning star shape. I also appreciate that it can easily be made with regular or plant-based ingredients. The flavor reminds me of cinnamon rolls but with an elevated presentation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cinnamon Star Dough

1 cup warm milk (regular or plant-based)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup melted butter (regular or plant-based)
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Cinnamon Star Filling

1/2 cup softened butter (regular or plant-based)
1/2 cup sugar
3 teaspoons cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounces cream cheese (regular or plant-based)
4 tablespoons softened butter (regular or plant-based)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

I start by mixing the warm milk, melted butter, maple syrup, and salt in a large bowl. Then I sprinkle the yeast on top, give a gentle stir, and let it rest for about 10 minutes to activate.
I add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. I shape it into a mound, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until nearly doubled.
Once risen, I place the dough on a floured sheet of parchment and divide it into 3 equal balls. I roll each ball into a circle about 1/3 inch thick. I spread half the cinnamon filling on the first circle, place the second circle on top and spread the remaining filling, then top with the third circle.
To make the star, I press a small bowl into the center to mark a circle, then cut strips from the circle outward. I twist two strips together to form one star point and continue until the star is complete.
I transfer the parchment and dough onto a baking sheet, cover it, and let it rise again for 30 minutes. After that, I bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, until golden.
For the frosting, I beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Once the bread has cooled slightly, I spread the frosting on top.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 16 pieces
Prep time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours

Variations

I sometimes make this completely plant-based by using almond milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese. I also like adding chopped pecans or raisins inside the filling for extra texture. For a different flavor profile, I might add orange zest to the dough or filling. If I want something lighter than cream cheese frosting, I drizzle a simple vanilla glaze instead.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm a slice in the oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes or microwave it for about 20–30 seconds until soft again.

FAQs

How long should the first rise be?

I let the dough rise until it’s almost doubled, which typically takes around 1 hour depending on the temperature of my kitchen.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, I simply let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Can I shape this into a loaf instead of a star?

Yes, if I don’t want to make the star design, I can roll it into a cinnamon-roll-style loaf. The flavor stays just as delicious.

Can I make this gluten-free?

I can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend made for yeast baking. The texture may vary, but it can still work well.

How do I know the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden on top and feel slightly firm. If I tap the bottom, it should sound hollow, or I can check that the internal temperature reaches around 190–200°F.

Conclusion

I loved making this Cinnamon Star Bread because it brings together comforting cinnamon flavors with a beautiful, festive design. The texture is soft and tender, the filling is sweet and fragrant, and the frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s a recipe I enjoy making for family gatherings and cozy mornings, and it always impresses everyone who tries it.