Nutella Star Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, Nutella star bread is a perfect choice. It’s a soft, fluffy, buttery bread layered with creamy Nutella, shaped into a stunning star that makes you look like a pro baker—even if you’re just having fun in the kitchen! This recipe is surprisingly easy and will definitely impress your family, friends, and even yourself.

I remember the first time I made Nutella star bread. It was a chilly winter evening, and I wanted something cozy and a little fancy for a small gathering with friends. I’d seen photos of this gorgeous bread online, but I’d never tried making it myself. After a bit of hesitation, I rolled up my sleeves and dove in. The whole process—from watching the dough rise to creating those intricate twists—felt like a little culinary adventure. When I finally pulled it out of the oven, golden and dusted with powdered sugar, I couldn’t believe how beautiful it looked. My friends’ faces lit up when they saw it, and we ended up eating half the loaf in one sitting, still warm from the oven.

The story behind star bread

Star bread is a popular treat in many parts of Europe. Often made with sweet fillings such as chocolate or jam, it is shaped into a decorative star that is easy to break apart for sharing. The unique shape not only looks stunning, but also ensures that each piece is filled with layers of delicious filling. While Nutella is a modern addition to the classic recipe, it is a natural fit, adding a creamy, chocolatey flavour that pairs beautifully with the soft bread.

This version of star bread uses Nutella as the filling, making it rich and indulgent. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a holiday brunch, dessert, or just a cozy afternoon snack.

Key ingredients for Nutella star bread

• Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the dough. I like using unsalted butter so I can control the salt content, but if you only have salted butter, just skip the added salt in the recipe.
• Milk: The liquid base for the dough, making it soft and easy to handle. Cold milk helps to keep the butter from overheating when you melt them together.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, giving the bread a nice balance of softness and structure. Bread flour could be used too, though it may yield a slightly chewier texture.
• Yeast: I use instant yeast for convenience, but active dry yeast works just as well. Just make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
• Sugar: Just a touch of sugar for sweetness and to help feed the yeast. It’s not overly sweet, letting the Nutella shine as the star of the show.
• Eggs: One egg goes into the dough for richness, and the other is used for the egg wash to give the bread that gorgeous golden color.
• Nutella: The main attraction! Warm it slightly to make spreading easier. If you’re out of Nutella, a good-quality chocolate spread or even peanut butter with a dash of cocoa powder can work in a pinch.
• Icing sugar: For a beautiful dusting on top, adding a sweet touch and a wintery look.

Kitchen tools you’ll need

Making Nutella star bread doesn’t require any fancy equipment, but a few tools will make things easier.

• Stand mixer with a dough hook: This isn’t a must, but it does save time and effort. Kneading by hand works too, just be ready for a little arm workout!
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out each layer of dough evenly.
• Pizza tray or large baking sheet: You’ll need a surface large enough for the star bread to expand slightly while it bakes. A pizza tray works perfectly, but any large baking sheet will do.
• Ramekin or small bowl: To mark the center and guide your cuts. It’s not strictly necessary, but it helps to keep everything even.
• Sharp knife or dough cutter: For cutting the dough into strands. Make sure it’s sharp for clean cuts.

Step-by-step: Making Nutella star bread

1. Prepare the dough

Start by melting the butter with one-third of the milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to avoid overheating. Once melted, add the remaining cold milk to cool it down. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, giving it a quick mix. Add the milk mixture and one whole egg, then stir until you have a rough, shaggy dough.

If you’re using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead the dough on medium speed for 6-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. By hand, knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

2. First rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat in oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size. If your kitchen is chilly, try putting the bowl in the oven with just the light on—it creates a cozy, warm environment for the dough.

3. Roll and layer

Once risen, divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll out one piece to a 12-inch circle and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm the Nutella in the microwave for about 15 seconds to make it easier to spread, then spread 1/4 cup of Nutella over the first layer, leaving a small border around the edge. Repeat this with the second and third layers, adding Nutella between each. The fourth layer goes on top with no Nutella.

4. Shape the star

Place a small ramekin in the center of the stacked dough. Cut four evenly spaced slices from the ramekin to the edge, creating quarters. Then cut each quarter in half, and each of those pieces in half again, until you have 16 strips radiating from the center. Take two adjacent strips, twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to create a pointed tip. Repeat all the way around.

5. Second rise and bake

Cover the shaped bread lightly with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Once risen, brush the top with a beaten egg for a glossy finish, and bake for 22 minutes, turning halfway through, until it’s golden brown.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Let the bread cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar. Serve it warm for the best experience—there’s nothing quite like warm, fluffy bread with gooey Nutella!

Variations and twists to try

• Cinnamon sugar star bread: Replace Nutella with a mixture of softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a classic cinnamon-roll flavor.
• Jam-filled star bread: Use your favorite fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work well) instead of Nutella for a fruity twist.
• Vegan version: Swap butter for a plant-based alternative, use almond or soy milk, and replace the egg wash with a mix of maple syrup and plant-based milk.
• Savory star bread: Experiment with pesto and cheese instead of Nutella for a delicious savory version. Perfect for brunch!

Serving and presentation tips

For a festive presentation, place your Nutella star bread on a large wooden board or cake stand, dusted with powdered sugar to give it a “snow-dusted” look. It’s perfect for pulling apart and sharing, so serve it alongside some fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Non-alcoholic drink pairings

Nutella star bread pairs beautifully with a warm drink. A classic hot chocolate is an obvious choice—rich, creamy, and indulgent. For something a little different, try it with a chai latte or spiced apple cider, which both complement the sweet, nutty flavors of the bread. If you prefer a lighter option, a cup of Earl Grey tea or a cold glass of milk balances out the richness of the Nutella.

Storing and reheating tips

If you somehow end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or wrap the entire bread in foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This will bring back the soft, fluffy texture.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes a large star bread perfect for sharing. If you want to make a smaller version, you could halve the recipe and make a mini star bread. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as a smaller loaf will bake faster—start checking around the 15-minute mark.

Troubleshooting tips

• If your dough isn’t rising: Make sure your yeast is fresh, and your milk mixture wasn’t too hot (which can kill the yeast). A warm environment helps too.
• If the Nutella is too hard to spread: Warming it slightly in the microwave makes it much easier to work with.
• If the strands aren’t sticking together: Pinch the ends firmly to ensure they don’t unravel while baking.

FAQ

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and assembling.

2. Can I use another filling besides Nutella?
Absolutely. Try jam, cinnamon sugar, or even peanut butter for different flavors.

3. What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
You can knead the dough by hand. It takes a bit more effort, but the results will still be delicious.

4. How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread should be golden brown on top. If you’re unsure, gently tap the bottom—it should sound hollow.

5. Can I freeze Nutella star bread?
Yes, freeze it after baking and cooling. Reheat in the oven for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Go ahead and give this Nutella star bread a try! It’s a stunning, satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.

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