Almond Cinnamon Babka Star Bread

An elegant, pull-apart sweet bread, intensely flavored with cinnamon, almonds, and raisins. Soft and tender, and addictive. Easier to make than you think. A perfect holiday bread, like Christmas or Easter, or delicious with morning coffee!

3 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet instant yeast
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Filling3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1/2 cup raisins
Egg Wash1 egg
1 tablespoon water

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 cup flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
• Iin a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk and the butter until it's lukewarm. 
• Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and beat until combined. 
• Add the egg and the vanilla extract and continue to mix until combined.
• Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer and gradually add the remaining 2 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour. 
• Continue to mix and knead on medium speed until all of the flour is incorporated and a sticky dough forms. 
• Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if necessary.
• Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and place dough in the bowl, turning to grease the top. 
• Cover with plastic wrap
• Let rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Line a half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Lightly punch down the risen dough and let rest for 5 minutes. 
• Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide evenly into 4 portions. 
• Shape into a ball and let sit covered for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the filling: In a saucepan or microwavable bowl, melt the butter. 
• Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and flour. 
• Add the melted butter, chopped nuts, and raisins; stir until combined. Set aside. 
• If the mixture isn't spreadable by the time you are ready to spread, microwave it for a few seconds to soften.
• Roll each dough ball into an 11-inch circle and carefully place it on the prepared pan. 

• Spread 1/3 of the filling onto the dough circle, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
• Repeat the process twice.
• Then roll the final dough ball into an 11-inch circle and place it on top.
• Find the center of the dough circle and mark it with a round 1-inch biscuit cutter for a visual.
• Using a sharp knife make 16 evenly spaced cuts from the center to the edge of the dough.
• It's easiest to start with 4 quadrants.
• Inside of each quarter, you will make three more cuts for a total of 4 wedges in each quarter.
• Grasp 1 wedge in each, twist the wedges outward and away from each other twice; then pinch the ends firmly together to make one twisted wedge.
• Repeat with remaining cut wedges.
• Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size; 30 to 45 minutes.
• Pinch ends together again if necessary.
• While the babka is rising for the second time, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a small bowl whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water.
• Brush the top of the babka with the egg wash; sprinkle with sugar if desired.
• Bake until the Babka is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center is at least 190 degrees F; 16 to 22 minutes.
• Cover with foil to prevent excess browning if necessary.
• Let cool completely on the pan.

Recipe: 31 Daily