Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/11 checked
12
servings
1 cup

milk

0.75 cup

butter

1.5 unit

active dry yeast

0.25 cup

warm water

2 unit

eggs

1 unit

egg

separated

6 cup

bread flour

0.75 cup

white sugar

2 tsp

lemon zest

0.25 tsp

ground mace

0.25 tsp

ground nutmeg

Step 1
~9 min

Heat milk in a saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat.

Step 2
~9 min

Stir in butter until melted and let cool to lukewarm.

Step 3
~9 min

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a small mixing bowl and let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

Step 4
~9 min

Combine 2 whole eggs with the egg yolk in another small bowl; beat lightly.

Step 5
~9 min

In a large mixing bowl, mix together 4 cups flour, white sugar, salt, lemon zest, mace, and nutmeg.

Step 6
~9 min

Make a well in the center and pour in the cooled milk, yeast mixture, and beaten eggs.

Step 7
~9 min

Beat well until a loose dough forms.

Step 8
~9 min

Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 3 hours.

Step 9
~9 min

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Step 10
~9 min

Gently knead the dough and gradually incorporate the remaining flour.

Step 11
~9 min

Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Key Technique: Kneading
Step 12
~9 min

Divide dough into 3 portions: small, medium, and large.

Step 13
~9 min

Cut the largest piece in half and roll into two 30-inch ropes.

Step 14
~9 min

Twist the ropes together and place in an 8-inch spiral on a greased cookie sheet.

Step 15
~9 min

Cut the medium piece in half and roll into two 20-inch ropes.

Step 16
~9 min

Twist these ropes together and place in a ring on top of the first circle.

Step 17
~9 min

Roll the smallest piece into a 12-inch rope.

Step 18
~9 min

Coil this rope on top of the other dough to form a pyramid shape.

Step 19
~9 min

Place the uncovered loaf in an unheated oven to rise until doubled, about 2 hours.

Step 20
~9 min

Remove the loaf from oven and preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Step 21
~9 min

Lightly beat the reserved egg white and brush over the loaf.

Step 22
~9 min

Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Step 23
~9 min

If the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Step 24
~9 min

Cool on a wire rack.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a richer flavor, use browned butter.

Brush with milk instead of egg wash for a softer crust.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
High
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with coffee or tea.

Enjoy with a dollop of jam or cream.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Fruit salad
Cheese platter

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Czech Republic

Cultural Significance

Traditional Easter bread.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Easter
Christmas

Occasion Tags

Holiday
Celebration
Breakfast
Brunch

Popularity Score

65/100