Meghan Markle’s Holiday Cinnamon Star Recipe from With Love, Meghan

The holidays have a way of inspiring us to dust off our apron, light a candle that smells like a gingerbread house, and pretend we are hosting a royal level celebration in our own kitchen. On With Love, Meghan Holiday Celebration, Meghan Markle shows that festive baking does not need to be complicated to feel special. It is all about choosing recipes that bring people together and look far more impressive than the effort required.

Enter the Holiday Cinnamon Star. It is a showstopper that feels like the edible version of a Christmas wish. Flaky layers, warm cinnamon, a little sparkle of sugar on top, and suddenly your kitchen smells like the happiest place on Earth. It is the kind of dessert that makes guests think you studied pastry in Paris when really, you just followed a few simple steps and had fun with it.

This recipe is festive without fuss. You can whip it up while holiday movies play in the background or while the kids are hanging ornaments on the tree. Serve it for Christmas morning breakfast, a dessert that pairs perfectly with hot chocolate, or wrap it up as a homemade gift that will win you the favourite friend or favourite aunt award instantly.

So grab the pastry, sprinkle that cinnamon generously, and get ready to bake something beautiful. Because the best part of the holidays is treating the people you love, and this sensational star does the job deliciously.

Ingredients

For the dough:
150 milliliters whole milk (about ⅔ cup)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened 
1 3/4 teaspoons instant yeast
2 1/4 cups bread flour, plus more for rolling
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
1 egg yolk

For the filling:
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon cinnamon

For the egg wash: 
1 egg
splash of milk

Method

For the dough: 

1. In a small pot, melt the butter and slightly heat the milk.
2. Pour mixture into a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let stand for 10 minutes.
3. While the yeast is activating, combine flour, sugar, and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Add the egg yolk to the yeast mixture, followed by the flour mixture.
5. Turn the mixer on low speed and mix until the dough comes together. Increase the speed to high and mix for 5 minutes, until the dough is soft and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

For the filling: 

1. Mix the softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon, and mix until combined. This can be done in a bowl with a wooden spoon or in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Set aside until ready to assemble.
2. After an hour, punch the dough down and divide into 3 equal pieces. Form each piece into a ball, cover and let rest on the counter for 30 minutes.
3. Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll out to a 10-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Repeat with remaining dough pieces.
4. Once all the pieces have been rolled out, start assembling.

To assemble: 

1. Spread about 1/3 of the butter mixture on the first dough round, distributing evenly. Top with the second dough round and repeat with the remaining butter mixture. Finish by topping the stack with the third and final dough round.
2. Place a small glass bowl measuring about 2–3 inches in diameter, in the center of the circle, open side down.
3. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into quarters, starting from the bowl and working your way out. Then cut each quarter in half and then in half again. You should end up with 16 sections.
4. Beat the egg and a splash of milk in a medium bowl and brush it over the top of the pastry. Brush the egg wash over the top of the pastry. This helps create the golden brown finish and also acts as a glue to hold the twists in place as they bake.
5. Working in pairs, twist the sections of the dough three times in opposite directions. Fold the ends over and press down firmly to seal them.
6. Repeat until all twists are done. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes before baking.
7. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20–25 minutes or until deep golden brown.
8. Sprinkle it with powdered sugar, serve, and enjoy!