This Cinnamon Roll Star Bread with Cream Cheese Dip is a soft, fluffy, pull-apart sweet bread layered with buttery cinnamon sugar and twisted into a stunning star shape that looks bakery level impressive but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Made with a rich, lightly sweet yeast dough and finished with a creamy sweet cream cheese dip, this recipe delivers everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls—without the individual rolling and slicing.
Perfect for holidays, brunch, or special mornings, this cinnamon roll star bread bakes up golden and tender with gooey layers inside and just the right amount of sweetness. Serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with cream cheese frosting, and watch it disappear slice by slice.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
What ingredients do I need?
- Dough
- Whole milk: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the bread rise light and fluffy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds flavor and tender texture.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
- Granulated sugar: Lightly sweetens the dough.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- All purpose flour: Creates a soft but sturdy dough.
- Cinnamon Filling
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Warm, classic spice flavor.
- Butter: Creates gooey cinnamon layers.
- Egg Wash
- Egg and heavy cream: Gives the bread a golden, glossy finish.
- Cream Cheese Dip
- Cream cheese: Rich and tangy.
- Butter: Smooths out the dip.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens smoothly.
- Heavy cream: Adjusts consistency.
- Salt: Balances sweetness.
Recipe Variations
- No variation is needed in my opinion, but here are a few ideas:
- Orange Cinnamon Star Bread: Add orange zest to the filling or frosting.
- Chocolate Cinnamon: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar layer in the middle.
- Nutty Version: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- Maple Glaze: Replace cream cheese dip with a maple glaze drizzle.
Pro Tips
- Make sure milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly. If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast. Check out my How to Work with Yeast guide.
- Roll dough circles evenly for clean layers and leave an edge without filling all the way around the dough- otherwise it will be harder to get the dough pinched together.
- Chill dough briefly if it becomes too soft to shape.
- Don’t overbake, golden on top means soft inside.
- Let rest slightly before serving so layers stay tender.
Can I Substitute?
Yes! Like always though, any substitutions made to the recipe can result in a change in texture and/or flavor.
- Dairy Free: Use plant based milk, butter, and cream cheese.
- Egg-Free (Dough): Replace eggs with a commercial egg replacer and just use heavy cream to brush on top before baking.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftover star bread covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Cream cheese dip should be stored refrigerated and brought to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze any leftover pieces for up to one month in a freezer safe container.
But, I Still Have A Few Questions…
Can I make cinnamon roll star bread ahead of time?
Yes. You can fully assemble and shape the star bread, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it sit at room temperature for 45–60 minutes before baking so the dough can relax and finish rising.
Can I freeze cinnamon roll star bread?
Yes. You can freeze the baked bread once completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and warm gently in the oven before serving. The unbaked shaped bread can also be frozen, but expect a longer thaw and rise time.
Why didn’t my dough rise properly?
This usually happens if the yeast was expired or the milk was too hot or too cold. Milk should be between 105°F and 115°F to properly activate yeast. Cold kitchens can also slow rising—place dough in a warm, draft free area.
How do I know when the star bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when gently tapped. The internal temperature should read around 190°F if checked with a thermometer.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. Use the same amount of instant yeast and skip the proofing step. Add it directly to the dry ingredients, then mix in warm milk as directed.
What if my dough feels too sticky or too dry?
If the dough is sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable. If too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, but easy to handle.
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Yes. You can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon and knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Why did my cinnamon filling leak out during baking?
Some leakage is normal. To minimize it, leave a small border around the edges when adding the filling and avoid overfilling with butter or sugar.
Can I use this dough for other shapes?
Absolutely. This dough works well for classic cinnamon rolls (like my recipe here), twists, knots, or even braided loaves.
Should I serve cinnamon roll star bread warm or cold?
It’s best served warm when the cinnamon layers are soft and gooey. Reheat leftovers briefly before serving.
How do I keep the star shape neat while baking?
Make sure the dough is evenly rolled, twists are tight, and the final rise isn’t rushed. Chilling the shaped bread for 10–15 minutes before baking can also help hold its shape.
Can I skip the cream cheese dip?
Yes. The bread is delicious on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze.
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Let’s engage!
Make sure to tag @thehomechefmomma on Instagram or Facebook, and leave a review or comment if you make these. I always get so excited to see your creations, variations of the recipe, and feedback! Just remember to be kind in your comments, there is still a person behind this screen! 🙂
Cinnamon Roll Star Bread with Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup whole milk warmed (105°F–115°F)
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Cream Cheese Dip
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream more as needed
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Warm the milk gently until it reaches 105–115°F. Pour into a small bowl, add the yeast, stir, and let sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add butter, eggs, sugar, salt, and flour. Mix briefly to combine.
- Pour in the milk and yeast mixture. Knead on medium speed for 4–5 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Place each portion in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1½–2 hours, until doubled.
Prepare the Filling
- While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Shape the Star Bread
- Turn dough out onto a floured surface and roll each portion into a 12-inch circle.
- Place one dough circle onto a parchment lined extra large baking sheet.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edge. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place the second dough circle on top.
- Place a 3 inch bowl in the center of the dough. Using a sharp knife, cut 16 even slices from the edge of the bowl outward.
- Take two adjacent strips, twist them away from each other 3 times, then pinch the ends together. Repeat all the way around to form a star.
- Remove the bowl, cover loosely, and let rise 1 hour.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Whisk together egg and heavy cream. Brush over the dough.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Make the Cream Cheese Dip
- While the bread bakes, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add vanilla and mix again.
- Add powdered sugar and salt and beat until fully combined (mixture will be thick).
- Add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until desired dipping or drizzling consistency is reached.
Serve
- Serve warm with cream cheese dip on the side or drizzled over the top. Enjoy!
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Nutritional Content Disclaimer
I choose not to include nutritional information with my recipes, as these values can be calculated from the ingredients provided. With my background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my own family experience with disordered eating, I understand how focusing on numbers can affect our relationship with food. My philosophy is that all foods have a place—sweet, savory, nourishing, or indulgent. I aim to share recipes that support a healthy, joyful approach to eating. My hope is that this space also encourages a balanced, healthy relationship with food for you and your family too.