Festive Christmas Cranberry & Apricot Star Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well to ensure the yeast and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until fully combined. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. While the dough rises, mix the chopped cranberries, chopped apricots, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air and divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
7. Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a quarter of the filling evenly over the dough. Repeat this process with the remaining circles.
8. Place a 2-3 inch round object in the center of your layered dough and cut the outer edges into 16 equal strips. Carefully twist each strip away from the center to form a star shape.
9. Cover the star bread with a cloth and allow it to rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl, then brush the mixture over the star bread.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.