Estonian Kringel

Cinnamon and Cocoa Bread - A Delight Woven with Love

If you are a lover of sweet doughs, then you are in the right place! Today I will share with you the recipe for a cinnamon and cocoa bread, a true delicacy that combines sweet flavors and a unique taste, perfect for any time of the day. This easy and quick recipe will delight you and your loved ones, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience in the kitchen.

A Bit of History

Cinnamon breads have a long-standing tradition in many cultures, often associated with moments of celebration and family gatherings. They are often prepared to mark special occasions, but nothing stops you from enjoying them whenever you crave something sweet and aromatic. Together with cinnamon and cocoa, this bread becomes an excellent choice for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

- 300 g white flour
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 200 ml warm milk
- 1 egg
- 50 g butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- a pinch of salt
- For the filling:
- 70 g butter (at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cocoa

Step by Step - Your Kitchen Guide

1. Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This will help aerate the flour and achieve a fluffier dough. Add the crumbled yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingredients well.

2. Adding the liquid ingredients
In a separate container, warm the milk and melt the butter. Make sure the milk is not too hot, so it doesn’t kill the yeast. Once the milk is warm, add it to the bowl with flour, along with the beaten egg. Mix everything until you get an elastic dough, similar to playdough.

3. Kneading the dough
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as a dough that is too dry will not rise well.

4. Rising the dough
Grease a bowl with a little oil and place the dough inside, covering it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.

5. Preparing the filling
In a small bowl, mix the room temperature butter with the sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa. This mixture will give your bread a delicious and aromatic filling.

6. Shaping the bread
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the risen dough into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Spread the filling mixture over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a 1 cm border on all sides.

7. Rolling and cutting
Roll the dough lengthwise, forming a tight log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise, leaving one end uncut. This will allow the two parts to unfurl and form a braid.

8. Braiding
Twist the two strips of dough around each other, forming a crown. Make sure the uncut end is on top of the crown. Place the crown on a baking tray lined with oiled parchment paper.

9. Final rising
Let the crown rise for 15 minutes in a warm place. This step will allow the dough to become even fluffier.

10. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the crown for about 25 minutes or until it becomes golden and nicely browned. You will smell the delicious aroma of cinnamon and chocolate throughout the house!

11. Cooling and serving
After removing the crown from the oven, let it cool on a rack for a few minutes. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a special look and taste. Serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a moment of indulgence!

Useful Tips

- Fresh yeast is essential for achieving a fluffy dough. Always check the expiration date before use.
- Warm milk is crucial for activating the yeast. Make sure it is warm, not hot!
- The filling can be customized! You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate, depending on your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I do if I don’t have fresh yeast?
You can use dry yeast, but make sure to adjust the amount (about 7 g of dry yeast replaces 20 g of fresh yeast).

2. Can I store the bread?
The bread keeps well in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it slightly in the oven to restore its fluffy texture.

3. What other recipes can I try?
If you like the idea of making sweet doughs, I recommend trying the cinnamon roll recipe or a berry cheesecake. Both are delicious and will delight your taste buds!

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in carbohydrates, providing quick energy, and cinnamon has antioxidant properties. However, it is important to consume it in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.

Calories

A serving of cinnamon and cocoa bread (approximately 1/8 of the recipe) has about 250-300 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

I encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with your loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the cinnamon and cocoa bread will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Enjoy!