Braided Easter Bread (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Bread Dough
01 -
1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
02 -
1 Tbsp. active dry yeast (from 2 1/4-oz. packets)
03 -
3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
04 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 -
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
06 -
3 large eggs, divided (2 for dough, 1 for egg wash)
07 -
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the surface
08 -
2 1/2 tsp. salt
09 -
Nonstick cooking spray
→ Decoration
10 -
4 dyed uncooked eggs, at room temperature (optional)
→ Glaze
11 -
1 cup powdered sugar
12 -
2 Tbsp. whole milk, plus more as needed
13 -
Rainbow sprinkles, for topping (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a small bowl, stir together the water and the yeast. Let the mixture stand until it is foamy, about 5 minutes.
02 -
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast mixture, milk, sugar, butter, and 2 of the eggs, beaten. Beat on medium-low speed until combined, about 30 seconds.
03 -
Add the flour and salt and mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Return the bowl to the mixer; increase the speed to medium and beat until the dough is smooth, elastic, and tacky, about 5 minutes.
04 -
Transfer the dough to a large bowl lightly greased with nonstick cooking spray. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at warm room temperature until it is doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
05 -
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 3 equal portions (about 12 ounces each). Roll each of the portions into an 18- to 20-inch long rope. Braid the ropes together, pinching the ends to seal and tucking them underneath. Transfer the braid to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
06 -
If you like, tuck dyed eggs into the braid, spacing them evenly apart. Cover the loaf loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise at warm room temperature until it has puffed, 30 to 45 minutes.
07 -
During the last 30 minutes of proofing, preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover the loaf and brush it lightly with the remaining beaten egg. Bake the loaf until it is golden brown, 28 to 32 minutes.
08 -
Slide the loaf and the parchment paper onto a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.
09 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. (Add a touch more milk, if needed to make a smooth, pourable glaze). Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and decorate with sprinkles, if you like.
# Notes:
01 -
The eggs baked into this bread will be soft-set by the time the bread is done baking.
02 -
For best results, make sure your water and milk are warm (around 110°F) but not too hot, as high heat can kill the yeast.
03 -
This bread has symbolic meaning for Easter - the braided shape can represent the Holy Trinity, while the eggs symbolize rebirth and renewal.
04 -
Make sure the dyed eggs are dry and at room temperature before placing them in the dough to minimize color bleeding.