Little, little sweet bread

Small homemade cozonaci - a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 12 small cozonaci

Cozonaci are a symbol of holidays and moments spent with loved ones. This recipe for small cozonaci, made with a bread machine, is perfect for adding a touch of magic to your table. The aroma of vanilla and freshly ground walnuts blend into a fluffy dough, and the preparation process is so simple that even beginners will achieve impressive results.

Ingredients:
- 500 g type 650 flour
- 200 ml warm milk
- 100 g sugar
- 100 ml sunflower oil
- 3 eggs (2 whole and 1 yolk only)
- 20 g fresh yeast or 7 g dry yeast
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100 g ground walnuts
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional)

Preparation steps:

1. Start by preparing the bread machine. Make sure it is clean and functioning properly. Place the bowl in the machine and add the ingredients in the order indicated in your device's manual.

2. Put the warm milk in the bowl, followed by the sunflower oil and eggs. It is important that the milk is warm and not hot, as too high a temperature can destroy the yeast.

3. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, and flour. These ingredients will ensure a fluffy texture for the dough.

4. The last ingredient you add is the yeast. If using fresh yeast, make sure it is well dissolved in the warm liquid before mixing it with the other ingredients. If using dry yeast, you can sprinkle it directly over the flour.

5. Finally, add the ground walnuts and the lemon or orange zest, if you choose to use it. These will add a fragrant taste and a fresh note.

6. Select the kneading and rising program on your bread machine. This program will last about 1 hour. Check the dough after 30 minutes to ensure it is rising properly.

7. Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape balls from each portion and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

8. Cover the tray with a clean towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes, until they double in size.

9. Preheat the oven to 180°C. After the cozonaci have risen, you can brush them with a mixture of egg yolk and a teaspoon of milk to achieve a golden and shiny crust.

10. Bake the cozonaci in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until they turn golden and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

11. Once the cozonaci are baked, let them cool on a rack, then you can enjoy them with a cup of warm milk or tea.

Practical tips:
- You can add raisins or Turkish delight to the dough for an even more delicious variation.
- If you don't have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand, making sure to let it rise in a warm place away from drafts.
- The cozonaci can be served as a quick dessert or snack, being perfect to enjoy with loved ones.

This small cozonac is a simple and easy recipe, perfect for bringing a touch of warmth and joy to every day. Don't hesitate to share with your loved ones and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 420 g of type 450 flour (or 000), 120 g of potato starch (a type of starch from potatoes, you can substitute with cornstarch or also with flour 000), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 egg and 1 egg white (keep the yolk for brushing on top), 75 g of butter (65% fat), 150 g of sugar, 100 ml of buttermilk, LEAVEN: 35 g of fresh yeast, 1 tablespoon of honey, 50 ml of warm water, a little flour, HAZELNUT CREAM: 125 g of ground hazelnuts, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 10 tablespoons of milk.