Description
Nothing says Easter like the sweet aroma of homemade Easter Bread baking in the oven! This soft, slightly sweet bread with a colorful egg nestled in the center is a showstopper on any holiday table. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or toast it the next day, this bread is a family favorite that brings joy to all. 💛
Ingredients
For the Dough:
✔️ 1 cup whole milk
✔️ ¼ cup butter
✔️ 4 cups all-purpose flour (divided: 2 cups + 2 cups)
✔️ ⅓ cup granulated sugar
✔️ 2¼ tsp rapid rise instant yeast (1 packet)
✔️ Zest of 1 lemon
✔️ Zest of 1 orange
✔️ 2 eggs
✔️ 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
✔️ 1 egg
✔️ 1 tsp milk
For Decoration:
✔️ Dyed uncooked Easter eggs (NOT hardboiled)
✔️ Colorful sprinkles
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt, lemon zest, and orange zest. Set aside.
2️⃣ Warm the Milk & Butter: Microwave in 10-second intervals until warm (not boiling).
3️⃣ Make the Dough: Add eggs, vanilla, and warmed milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix with a stand mixer using a dough hook for 1 minute (it should resemble cake batter).
4️⃣ Knead: Slowly add remaining 2 cups of flour while mixing until the dough is smooth (about 8 minutes). If too sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at a time.
5️⃣ Rest: Place dough on a lightly floured surface, knead a few times, form a ball, and let it rest in a covered bowl for 15 minutes.
6️⃣ Shape the Rings: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into an 11-inch rope. Twist two ropes together, then form a ring and pinch the ends together.
7️⃣ Second Rise: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
8️⃣ Preheat Oven to 375°F.
9️⃣ Egg Wash & Decorate: Brush dough with egg wash, place a dyed uncooked egg in the center, and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.
🔟 Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. Let cool on a rack & enjoy warm!
Notes
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 3 days (remove the eggs).
- In the fridge, it lasts 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months (remove eggs first).
💡 Fun Tip: Don’t want a real egg in the middle? Replace it with a chocolate egg after baking for a kid-approved treat! 🍫🐣
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 45 minutes