Cosmic Crisp Apple Cinnamon Star Bread

Yield: 16 servings

This apple cinnamon star bread is a soft, pull-apart loaf filled with spiced Cosmic Crisp® apples and layers of cinnamon sugar. The dough bakes up light and tender, while the apple filling adds a warm, caramelized flavor throughout. Shaped into a decorative star, this bread is both visually impressive and easy to share, making it perfect for gatherings, holidays, or special occasions. With its balance of soft texture and spiced sweetness, this recipe is a standout twist on classic cinnamon bread.

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup & 2 tablespoons oat milk, warmed to about 110° F
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon fine salt
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1 ½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract

Filling

• 2 Cosmic Crisp® apples, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1-2 tablespoons water

Cinnamon Sugar

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Wash

• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon oat milk

Directions

For the dough

1. Heat oat milk in a glass measuring cup until it's warm.
2. Stir in granulated sugar until it's mostly dissolved, then add in the yeast.
3. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes to activate. 
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Create a well in the center.
5. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the well, add melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir with a spatula until a sticky dough forms.
6. Knead the dough in the bowl with the spatula for 2-3 minutes, then switch to using your hands. Knead for 7-8 minutes, adding up to ¼ cup more of flour if needed. The dough should be very soft, slightly tacky, and stretchy when pulled apart.
7. Shape the dough into a smooth ball, grease the same bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (1.5-2 hours.)

For the filling

1. While the dough rises, combine diced apples, butter, brown sugar, spices, and one tablespoon of water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the apples soften and caramelize. Add a second tablespoon of water if needed to prevent sticking.
3. Transfer the filling to a bowl and refrigerate until completely cool.
4. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl and set aside.

Shaping the dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Divide into four equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Roll each ball into a 10" circle.
3. Place one dough circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread half the cooled apple mixture on the top, leaving a ½" border.
4. Lay a second dough circle on top and pinch the edge to seal.
5. Sprinkle ⅔ of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer, leaving a ½" border.
6. Add the third dough circle, pinch to seal, and spread the remaining apple mixture on top.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apples.
8. Add the final dough circle on top and pinch the edges to seal completely.
9. Place a 3" round cutter or glass in the center (do not press down). Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 16 evenly spaced strips, starting from the center and cutting outward.
10. Take two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other two times. Pinch the ends together to seal.
11. Repeat with all strips to form an eight-pointed star.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Mix the maple syrup and oat milk in a small bowl.
2. Let the shaped dough rise for 15-20 minutes, then brush the exposed surface with the maple syrup mixture.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan after 20 minutes to ensure even browning, until the bread is golden and cooked through.
4. Let cool on a wire rack.
5. Dust with powdered sugar.
6. Serve.
7. Enjoy!