Fluffy sweet bread

Fluffy Cozonac - Delicious Recipe

Welcome to the tasty world of fluffy cozonac, a dessert that adds a touch of magic to any occasion! Whether it's a holiday, a birthday, or simply a family Sunday, this recipe is perfect for impressing everyone. I have tried numerous versions of cozonac, but this is definitely my favorite, due to its fine texture and aromatic filling. Let's get to work!

Total preparation time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large cozonaci

Ingredients:

- 1 kg flour
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 250 g sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g butter
- 100 g oil
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 100 g cocoa
- 200 g ground walnuts

Preparation of fluffy cozonac:

1. Preparing the leaven: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the center and crumble the yeast there. Add a little lukewarm milk (not hot!) and gently mix to obtain a soft leaven. Let the leaven rise for 5 minutes.

2. Heating the milk: Meanwhile, heat the milk over low heat, adding sugar and lemon zest. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves, but do not let the milk boil. Wait until it becomes warm and pleasant to the touch.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with a pinch of salt. Once the leaven has risen, pour the warm milk over it, add the beaten egg yolks, vanilla sugar, and mix. Start kneading the dough until the ingredients are well combined. There is no need to knead too much; a uniform mixture is sufficient.

4. Adding fats: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and mix it with the oil. Gradually pour the fat mixture into the dough, continuing to knead until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

5. First rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour. It should double in volume.

6. Preparing the filling: During this time, you can prepare the filling. Mix cocoa with sugar and ground walnuts well. This will add flavor and texture to the cozonac.

7. Shaping the cozonaci: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two (or four, if you want to make braided cozonaci). On an oiled surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle the filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.

8. Folding: Roll the dough tightly, then place the rolls in greased and floured baking trays. Let them rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel, to puff up again.

9. Preparing for the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the cozonaci with a beaten egg yolk mixed with a tablespoon of sugar for a golden and shiny crust.

10. Baking: Place the cozonaci in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. You can check if they are done using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cozonaci are perfect!

11. Cooling and serving: After taking them out of the oven, let them cool in the trays for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. You can serve them plain or with a spoonful of plum jam for extra flavor!

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- The flour should be of good quality; use bread flour for the best results.
- If you prefer a more aromatic cozonac, you can also add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the filling.

Nutritional benefits: Cozonac is a good source of carbohydrates, and walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. Consume it in moderation, as a serving has about 350-400 calories, depending on the filling and portion size.

You may have questions about how to personalize this recipe. Here are some suggestions:
- Vary the filling: instead of cocoa and walnuts, you can use melted chocolate, raisins, or even fruit jams.
- You can adapt the cozonac to your dietary preferences by replacing butter with a vegan alternative or using natural sweeteners instead of sugar.

Fluffy cozonac is more than just a dessert; it is a tradition, a memory, and a symbol of holidays spent with loved ones. Every bite will bring with it family stories and unforgettable moments. So, don't hesitate to try this recipe, enjoy its aroma, and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!