No-knead sweet bread

No-Knead Cozonaci – A Delicious and Simple Recipe for an Unforgettable Kitchen Experience

Cozonac is one of the most beloved traditional delicacies, often associated with holidays, family gatherings, and special moments. This no-knead cozonac recipe proves to be not only easy to prepare but also incredibly tasty. Without requiring much physical effort, the result will be a fluffy, aromatic cozonac filled with delicious filling. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 12 hours (in the refrigerator)
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 13 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 cozonaci

Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg of wheat flour
- 200 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 6 egg yolks
- 500 ml of warm boiled milk
- 200 g of sugar
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 vanilla essence
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g of ground walnuts
- 4 tablespoons of candied rose petals (jam)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 500 g of Turkish delight
- 100 g of powdered sugar with vanilla flavor

Ingredients for brushing:
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of sugar

Making No-Knead Cozonaci

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This will help aerate the flour and result in a fluffier dough. In another bowl, add the warm milk (not hot) along with the yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. It is important that the milk is warm to activate the yeast, but not too hot, otherwise it will kill the microorganisms responsible for rising.

Step 2: Combining the ingredients
Pour the milk mixture over the flour. Add the egg yolks, vanilla essence, and grated lemon zest. Begin mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Here, the melted butter will add a rich flavor and soft texture to the cozonac, so make sure it is at room temperature.

Step 3: Resting the dough
Once you have a homogeneous dough, cover the bowl with cling film and place it in the refrigerator for about 12 hours. This is an essential step, as the refrigerator will help develop the flavors, and the cozonac will be even tastier.

Step 4: Preparing the filling
While the dough rests, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the ground walnuts, powdered sugar with vanilla flavor, cocoa, and the rose petal jam. Mix well to uniform the ingredients. If you want a note of freshness, you can add a little lemon or orange zest.

Step 5: Shaping the cozonaci
After 12 hours, take the dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into four equal parts. On a clean surface, roll out each piece of dough into thin sheets. Use extra flour to prevent sticking. Spread each sheet with a tablespoon of the rose petal and sugar mixture, and then add the walnut filling over the entire surface.

Step 6: Rolling and braiding
Rolling the sheets is an important moment that will influence the final appearance of the cozonaci. Therefore, roll each sheet tightly, then braid two rolls together. This technique will not only create a beautiful-looking cozonac but will also ensure an even distribution of the filling.

Step 7: Baking the cozonaci
Prepare the trays by lining them with baking paper. Place the cozonaci in the trays and let them rise for about 30 minutes, covered with a clean towel. During this time, preheat the oven to 180°C.

Before placing them in the oven, brush each cozonac with a beaten egg mixed with a teaspoon of sugar. This will create a golden and appetizing crust. Bake the cozonaci for about 1 hour, or until they turn brown and pass the toothpick test.

Step 8: Cooling and serving
After taking them out of the oven, let them cool in the trays for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. It is important to wait for them to cool before slicing, so the slices do not crumble. You can serve the cozonaci with a cup of milk or tea, but also with a mug of mulled wine on cold winter days.

Serving suggestions and variations
Cozonac can easily be adapted to your tastes. You can replace walnuts with almonds or pistachios, and the rose petal jam with apricot or raspberry jam. You can also add raisins or dark chocolate for an extra flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits
One cozonac (about 100 g) contains around 350-400 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and fats. The walnuts add protein and healthy fatty acids, while the milk contributes calcium and vitamins. By consuming cozonaci in moderation, you can enjoy a traditional delicacy that will bring you joy without compromising your health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast. It is important to activate it in warm milk before adding it to the dough.

2. Is it possible to make cozonac without sugar?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount according to your desired taste.

3. How can I store the cozonaci?
Cozonaci store well at room temperature in an airtight container. You can freeze them and thaw them when you crave them.

I wish you good cooking and to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, creating delicious memories! Your no-knead cozonaci will surely become a tradition in your family. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: -1 kg wheat flour- 200 g butter- 6 egg yolks- 500 ml boiled sweet milk- 200 g sugar- 1 cube of yeast- zest of 1 lemon- 1 vanilla essence- 1 pinch of saltIngredients for the filling:-500 g ground walnuts-4 tablespoons of rose petals jam-2 tablespoons of cocoa-500 g Turkish delight-100 g powdered sugar with vanilla flavorFor brushing:-1 egg-1 teaspoon of sugar