Description
A traditional Italian Easter bread, soft and sweet, adorned with colorful small dyed eggs. This festive bread is perfect for celebrating the holiday, symbolizing renewal and life.
Ingredients
Scale
-
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅔ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
For the Topping:
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a round or braided loaf.
- Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet. Make small indentations where you plan to place the eggs.
- Gently place the dyed eggs into the indentations on top of the dough.
- Brush the loaf with the egg wash (egg yolk and milk mixture) and sprinkle with optional sprinkles.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the bread comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- If you’re using dyed eggs, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned before placing them on the dough.
- You can also braid the dough for a more decorative presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian