Star Bread, or more popularly called Putok is a sweet, dense bread that is a Filipino Panederia favorite commonly enjoyed for coffee or tea time.
While you can buy this bread in any of the local bakeries. There is satisfaction in making it for yourself, especially as this recipe is really easy to make.
Favorite Filipino Dense Bread
Normally Star bread is discussed along with Monay and Pinagong (Turtle Bread), as they are all sweet dense bread made with almost exactly the same composition. During the last stages of baking, the difference between these bread can be seen. The dough will rise and the forming of the outer shell will happen which gives each their identity.
When making Star Bread, a cross-shaped cut on top of the dough is made. After the final rising, it will form a fissure in between the cuts. Making it look like it exploded from the inside, hence the name. The peak of these cuts is also the crispiest part of the bread.
Monay, which is the simplest version, has cut right in the middle. After baking, there is a dividing line between the bread that makes it easy to cut into two. Pinagong, on the other hand, is cut with several parallel lines across that somehow resembles a turtle (pagong).
The defining character of Star bread, besides its appearance, is that it is much denser than the two. It might not look much, but one or two of these and you’ll probably be full.
Of course, the finishing touch of this bread prior to baking is the reason why so many like it. Besides its ability to make one full, Star bread will also satisfy your sweet tooth. Glazed with eggwash then sprinkled with sugar makes the crown deliciously sweet and crunchy. No need for jams or extra spread for this bread, but a good cup of coffee or tea
Star Bread (Putok)
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk powder
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ -1 cup lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ¼ cup unsalted butter or margarine softened to room temperature
EGG WASH
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp milk
- Sugar for topping
Instructions
- Combine bread flour, mik powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl and mix until well distributed. Make a well in the center.
- Pour in ¾ cup lukewarm water then sprinkle the instant yeast over the water. Using a wooden spoon, stir the water to moisten the yeast.
- Add the softened butter then slowly fold in the rest of the flour mixture with the liquid to create a dense dough.
- Knead for 7-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth. If the dough is too dry when you start to knead add a bit more water, a tablespoon at a time then knead to check again. Do NOT add too much water. The dough has to be dense, it will not be elastic but it should be smooth.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a plastic wrap and let it rest for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Divide the dough into 20 pieces or about 50 grams each. Shape them into balls and arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Using a kitchen scissor, snip the top with 2 intersecting lines to form a cross. Cover with a tea towel and let it rest again for 30 minutes. Expect that they will not rise much.
- Brush each piece with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180°C/350°F for 18-20 minutes or until top becomes golden
- Take the star bread from the oven and transfer them to a bread basket or plate and enjoy with a cup of hot beverage.
ME says
How can I make this ube star bread?
Bebs says
I have not tried that yet. I am only guessing that the addition of ube might affect the unique characteristic of this bread, which is dense and compact.
Bernadette says
Can’t rate it yet.
Is it really one teaspoon of yeast? Because mine didn’t rise at all 😕
Bebs says
Yes, that is correct, as this is a dense bread but it should also rise. Have you proofed your yeast or given it enough time to rise? It might take longer if the weather is cold.
Nancy says
The perfect crunch on the outside & creamy,slightly sweet inside.Thanks for the recipe.
icel says
the bread is so tender and yummy..
Ruth says
Hi Bebs! Thank you for this recipe. I would like to ask if there is something I could use as substitute to milk powder? I don't think I've seen milk powder in the supermarkets here in Germany. Thanks in advance!
Bebs says
Hi Ruth, I use Magermilch Pulver when I was in Germany and it is widely available.
Ma Lourdes Medel says
Thank you so much for this recipe . Been using this and they love it.😋
Adrianna says
I don't know what I did wrong but mine came out really doughy and maybe too dense. I was so excited to have these again 💔
Bebs says
Sounds like they are undercook, check your oven if it has the correct temperature. You might need to adjust the baking time.
Leah says
Hi Bebs, I just had to make this as soon as I saw it. It's my favorite bread growing up. My American husband loved it! He ate most of it, I only got 3. I have to say, it's not quite the same as I remember it. This recipe is very tender and not dry at all. But it was delicious. Maybe better than the original. Thank you for the recipe.
Bebs says
Hi Leah, I am happy you and your hubby like it. Yes, I made it just a tad moist than the super dry versions typical of this bread because Armin does not like it too dry. If you want, you can omit the butter or reduce the water to make it denser and dryer.
Alan Nicholson says
thank you for this recipe,
it was a great surprise for my filipina wife,
when she woke up to these, for her breakfast.
We have bought these from filipino bakeries here in
New Zealand. I made them using your recipe.
Many thanks.
Bebs says
Your wife is so lucky to have you, Alan! Glad you both like it.
Mel says
Hi Bebs,
Looks good...this is like Monay right? Monay is Nanay's favorite bread. , so I really want to try and make this.... Can I use the bread maker to make the dough? I am not fun of kneading....
Thanks
Mel
Bebs says
Hi Mel, yes it is very similar, only denser and a bit dryer. We will be posting the Monay recipe soon.