Brioche cake

Brioche Cozonac – a delicacy that blends tradition with innovation, bringing a fluffy and aromatic dessert to your table, perfect for any occasion. This recipe is ideal for preparation both with a bread machine and manually, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred method. I invite you to discover the necessary steps to achieve a perfect brioche cozonac, full of flavor!

Total preparation time: 7 hours (6 hours in the fridge + 1 hour of rising + 30 minutes of preparation)
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

- 500 g wheat flour (ideal for cozonaci)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 150 g granulated sugar (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- 10 g salt
- 5 eggs (choose fresh, preferably free-range)
- 75 ml lukewarm milk
- 175 g butter (cut into cubes, at room temperature)
- 1 egg for brushing (to achieve a golden and appetizing crust)
- Vanilla essence (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- Lemon and orange zest (for an extra flavor boost, you can also use organic citrus)
- Optional: dried fruits (dried apricots or raisins are excellent for adding a touch of sweetness)

A Brief History of Cozonac

Cozonac is a symbol of holidays and culinary traditions, prepared in many cultures, usually during festive periods. This specific brioche cozonac recipe adds a modern touch, making it more accessible and simpler to make, without compromising traditional taste. Today, cozonac is often associated with family gatherings, bringing a festive air to any meal.

Step by Step for a Perfect Brioche Cozonac

Step 1: Activating the Yeast

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, add 75 ml of lukewarm milk (not hot, as it could kill the yeast) and dissolve the fresh yeast in it. Add a tablespoon of flour from the 500 g and mix well. Let this mixture rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an important step, as it ensures that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining sugar, salt, vanilla, lemon, and orange zest. Add the remaining flour and mix gently. Start gradually adding the lukewarm milk in which the yeast was dissolved. This is the moment to apply your kneading skills. If you choose to do this manually, knead the dough for about 30 minutes, gradually adding the cubed butter.

Useful Tips: If you feel the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but don’t overdo it. The dough should be elastic and easy to handle.

If you prefer to use a bread machine, add the ingredients in the order specified by the manufacturer, ensuring that the yeast does not come into direct contact with the salt at the beginning.

Step 3: Letting It Rise

After you have kneaded the dough well, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 6 hours. This process will enhance the flavors and make the dough easier to shape.

Step 4: Shaping and Second Rise

After 6 hours, take the dough out of the fridge and place it on the working surface. Shape it according to your preferences: you can make mini cozonaci or a larger version. Place the cozonaci in muffin or cozonac molds and let them rise again, this time for about 1.5 hours. You will notice how the dough doubles in volume.

Step 5: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. When the cozonaci have risen, brush them with beaten egg to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until they are brown and risen. A simple test is to insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they are ready!

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

After taking them out of the oven, let them cool in the molds for 15 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Serve them warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a personal touch, you can add chopped nuts or dark chocolate to the dough, which will melt during baking, bringing a decadent flavor. Additionally, brioche cozonac can be served with a caramel or chocolate sauce for a truly special dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

This brioche cozonac is not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and butter provides healthy fats essential for a balanced diet. Whole flour, if you choose to use it, adds fiber and vitamins, contributing to healthy digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 10 g of dry yeast and follow the same activation steps.

2. How do I know when the cozonac is ready?
The cozonac is ready when it is well browned and passes the toothpick test. Also, if you gently tap the bottom of the cozonac, it should sound hollow.

3. What can I do with leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can make mini muffins or cookies with various fillings.

Calories

Each serving of brioche cozonac has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the serving size. It is a delicious dessert, but consumed in moderation.

I encourage you to try this brioche cozonac recipe and personalize it to your tastes! Whether you serve it at a festive meal or simply as a personal treat, it will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!