Easter bread with sweet dough

Cozonac Dough Easter Bread: A Flavorful Delicacy for the Holidays

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Cozonac dough Easter bread is a traditional recipe that adds a festive touch to any meal. This delicious cake, filled with rich cheese and a subtle citrus aroma, is perfect for enjoying with family and friends. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just to indulge yourself, this Easter bread is sure to be a hit.

A Brief History of the Recipe

Modern Easter bread has its roots in ancient traditions and is often associated with Easter celebrations. It symbolizes renewal and joy, being a cherished delicacy in many cultures. In our recipe, the cozonac dough perfectly complements the cheese filling, creating a delightful contrast between the fluffy texture of the dough and the creaminess of the cheese.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 120 g sugar
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g melted butter
- 50 ml oil
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 egg yolks
- Zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 400 g cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
- 100 g raisins
- 3 tablespoons semolina
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 vial rum essence

For decoration:
- Almond flakes (optional)
- 1 egg for brushing the bread

Ingredient Details

- Flour: Choose a good quality flour suitable for doughs, which will provide a fluffy texture.
- Yeast: Use fresh yeast for the best results. This will help the dough rise beautifully.
- Cottage cheese: Fresh and creamy cheese will add a delicious flavor to the filling.
- Raisins: You can use golden or black raisins, depending on your preference. Soak them briefly in warm water to soften.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 50-75 ml of lukewarm milk (make sure it's not hot!). Add 1-2 tablespoons of flour and 1 tablespoon of sugar, and mix well. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 10-15 minutes until frothy.

2. Sifting the flour: Sift the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential to aerate the flour and avoid lumps in the dough.

3. Mixing the ingredients: Over the sifted flour, add the risen yeast, egg yolks, salt, and lemon zest. Dissolve the remaining sugar in the lukewarm milk and gradually pour it into the bowl while mixing constantly. If the dough becomes too stiff, add a little more milk.

4. Incorporating fats: Add the melted and cooled butter, followed by the oil, mixing well. It’s important to incorporate the fats gradually to achieve an even dough.

5. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough until it becomes soft and sticky. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour.

6. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with the cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla sugar, rum essence, lemon zest, semolina, and raisins. Make sure it is well combined.

7. Shaping the Easter bread: Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured work surface. Divide the dough into two: one part for the base of the bread and the other part into three, which you will braid for decoration.

8. Assembling: Roll out the dough for the base of the bread and place it in a round baking pan lined with parchment paper. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. Place the braided dough around the edge of the pan and fill with the cheese mixture.

9. Brushing and decorating: Beat an egg and brush the bread with it, then sprinkle almond flakes on top for a crunchy and appetizing look.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the bread for 45-50 minutes or until it turns golden and is well done. Check with a toothpick to see if it's baked – it should come out clean.

11. Cooling: After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow the flavors to meld.

Practical Tip

To achieve a fluffier dough, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Yeast needs warmth to activate fermentation, and lukewarm milk helps achieve an airy texture.

Delicious Variations

- Chocolate filling: You can add dark or white chocolate chunks to the cheese filling for a decadent flavor.
- Nutrition: Easter bread is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while raisins add fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
- Yes, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber, but it will require an adjustment of the liquid.

2. How can I store the Easter bread?
- The bread stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze it for longer storage.

3. What drinks pair well with Easter bread?
- Easter bread pairs excellently with fruit tea or a glass of sweet white wine.

Cozonac dough Easter bread is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition, a memory of times spent with loved ones. Its aromatic flavor and fluffy texture make it a must-have in any season. So, don’t wait any longer and prepare your own Easter bread at home! It’s a perfect opportunity to showcase your culinary skills and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent around the table!