Homemade sweet bread

Homemade Cozonac: a traditional delight that combines flavors, textures, and a history full of warmth. This dessert is often associated with holidays and special moments, bringing the family together around the table. Over time, cozonac recipes have evolved, with each housewife having her own secrets and variations. Here’s how you can prepare a delicious homemade cozonac that will fill your home with enticing aromas and delight the taste buds of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 1 kg flour
- 250 g sugar
- 400 ml milk (warm)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
- 50 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 150 g oil (sunflower or olive)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 500 g Turkish delight (cut into cubes)
- Vanilla essence (1 teaspoon)
- Rum essence (1 teaspoon)
- Orange peel (from one orange)
- 200 g raisins (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons cocoa (for the cocoa version)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the "starter"

In a large bowl, add 100 g of flour and 200 ml of warm milk. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. This step helps activate the yeast and achieve a fluffy texture. Cover this bowl with a clean towel and let it cool at room temperature.

2. Activating the yeast

In another bowl, crumble 25 g of fresh yeast with 2 teaspoons of sugar until completely dissolved. Add 2-3 tablespoons of flour from the 1 kg and mix. Let the yeast rise for 15-20 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy dough.

3. Preparing the eggs

In a separate bowl, mix the yolks with 1/2 teaspoon of salt until creamy. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with 1/2 teaspoon of salt until stiff peaks form. This step will add volume and aeration to the dough.

4. Heating the milk

In a saucepan, put the remaining milk (200 ml) on low heat, add the sugar, and stir until completely dissolved. Make sure the milk does not boil. To this mixture, add your favorite spices, such as vanilla essence, rum essence, and grated orange peel.

5. Kneading the dough

In a large bowl, sift the remaining flour (almost 1 kg) and add: the starter, activated yeast, beaten yolks, beaten egg whites, and milk with spices. Mix all the ingredients with a spatula or by hand until a dough forms.

Add the soft butter, one tablespoon at a time, while kneading. Once the butter is fully incorporated, gradually add the oil. Continue kneading the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands or the bowl.

6. Dividing the dough

Divide the dough into two parts: one part (about 3/4) for the white cozonac, and the other part (1/4) for the cocoa cozonac. In the white dough part, add the raisins and mix well. In the cocoa dough part, add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa and mix until evenly combined.

7. Proofing

Cover both bowls with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for obtaining a fluffy and airy cozonac.

8. Shaping the cozonac

After the dough has risen, roll out each piece on a floured work surface. Form rectangles from each dough. On the white dough, add the Turkish delight cubes and carefully roll it up. Do the same with the cocoa dough.

Place the two rolls in cozonac molds (greased with oil or butter) and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

9. Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cozonacs for 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown and passing the toothpick test (the toothpick inserted in the middle of the cozonac should come out clean).

10. Cooling and serving

Once the cozonacs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the molds for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

For an even more special taste, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving.

Practical Tips

- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting; this will help activate the yeast and improve the dough's texture.
- Nut version: You can also add ground nuts to the Turkish delight filling for a crunchy texture.
- Cocoa cozonac: You can experiment with different proportions of cocoa or replace cocoa with ground chocolate for an intense chocolate flavor.
- Storing the cozonac: The cozonac stores well in plastic wrap or an airtight container for a few days, but it is best consumed fresh.

Nutritional Benefits

Cozonac, although a dessert rich in carbohydrates, also offers a source of protein from eggs and a moderate amount of healthy fats from butter and oil. The addition of raisins and Turkish delight brings extra vitamins and minerals.

Calories

A serving of cozonac (approximately 100 g) contains about 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a delicious dessert but should be consumed in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, but make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
- How can I avoid the cozonac being too moist? Ensure all ingredients are correctly measured and that the dough has the right consistency before baking.
- What other fillings can I use? You can try fillings of nuts, chocolate, or even cream cheese to vary the flavor of the cozonac.

Homemade cozonac is more than just a dessert; it is an experience that brings the family together, full of flavors and memories. By preparing it, you not only enjoy a delight but also create unforgettable moments with your loved ones. So, put on your apron, tie your hair back, and embark on the adventure of creating an unforgettable cozonac!