Description
A delightful and sweet bread made from scratch, perfect for festive occasions and family traditions.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar (adjust for sweetness preference)
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk (or a non-dairy alternative)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional for decoration)
- Sprinkles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine yeast with warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the risen dough, then shape it into a braid or a round loaf.
- Brush with an egg wash and add food coloring or sprinkles for a festive touch if using.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
For an enhanced flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon. Ensure that the milk isn’t too hot when activating the yeast, as that can affect its effectiveness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Traditional