Brioche from...balls

Cozonac Balls – A Fluffy and Flavorful Delight

Cozonac is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition that combines flavors and aromas, bringing joy to every home. Today, I invite you to discover a unique and captivating variation of this classic treat: cozonac filled with balls. This recipe, inspired by culinary traditions but with a personal touch, promises to delight your senses and fill your home with inviting aromas.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour + 15 minutes
Baking time: 60-70 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 3 large cozonaci

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1.7 kg high-quality flour
- 500 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- A pinch of saffron (for vibrant color)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Zest of one lemon
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons lard (or butter, at room temperature)

For the filling:
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 250 g sugar (for the walnut filling)
- 250 g poppy seeds
- 130 g sugar (for the poppy seed filling)
- Zest of one lemon
- 100 g Turkish delight (cut into small cubes)
- 100 g raisins (soaked and drained)
- 1 egg for brushing on top

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the yeast
Start by crumbling the yeast into 200 ml of warm milk. Add 50 g of sugar and gently mix until the yeast completely dissolves. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms.

Step 2: Making the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, egg yolks, saffron, rum and vanilla essences, and lemon zest. Add the risen yeast and gradually incorporate the lard at room temperature. Knead the dough for about an hour until it becomes elastic and smooth. Use a little flour on the work surface to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Rising the dough
Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for one hour, until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Forming the balls
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and divide it into 3 equal parts. Then, each part is divided into 16 small balls, which you will shape by hand. Cover the balls with a towel and let them rise for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Filling the balls
While the balls are rising, prepare the fillings.
- For the walnut filling, mix the ground walnuts with 250 g of sugar, lemon zest, raisins, and vanilla essence.
- For the poppy seed filling, combine the poppy seeds with 130 g of sugar, lemon zest, Turkish delight, and vanilla essence.

Eight balls will be filled with each mixture. Place the filling in the center, reshape the balls, and ensure the filling is well enclosed in the dough.

Step 6: Assembling the cozonaci
Prepare a baking tray for the cozonaci, greasing it with butter or oil. Arrange the balls in the tray in a zig-zag pattern: start with 4 poppy seed balls on the left, followed by 4 walnut balls on the right, continuing this alternation for all 3 rows.

Step 7: Final rising
Cover the tray with a towel and let the cozonaci rise for another 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius.

Step 8: Baking
Once the cozonaci have risen, brush them with beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust. If you know they will rise a lot, you can use cardboard risers to prevent sticking to the lid. Bake the cozonaci for 60-70 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Check if they are baked through by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cozonaci are ready.

Step 9: Cooling and serving
Let the cozonaci cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then carefully remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, you can slice and serve them. Enjoy!

Practical Tips
- Flour: Choose a type 650 or 000 flour, which will provide a fluffy and airy dough.
- Yeast: If using dry yeast, use 20 g and add it directly to the flour.
- Temperature: Ensure that the ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Filling: You can experiment with fillings such as chocolate or dried fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can cozonac be stored? Cozonac keeps well wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Can I freeze cozonac? Yes, cozonac can be frozen without issues. Just make sure it is well wrapped.
- How can I customize the recipe? You can add cocoa to the walnut filling or replace raisins with other dried fruits.

Delicious Pairings
Cozonac balls pair perfectly with a glass of warm milk or a cup of cocoa. You can also serve it alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or fruit tea for an unforgettable experience.

Enjoy this wonderful recipe and make it a tradition in your home! Cozonac balls will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones, and their aroma will fill the atmosphere with warmth and joy. Enjoy!