Sweet bread

Cozonac with walnut and cocoa filling - traditional recipe

Cozonac is a dessert that brings joy to the soul, being a staple at festive meals. Over time, cozonac has become a symbol of holidays, lovingly prepared in many families' homes. Its preparation may seem challenging, but with a little patience and a few tricks, you will achieve a fluffy and aromatic cozonac that will impress everyone.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 2 cozonaci

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour (preferably type 550 for a finer texture)
- 1 cup warm milk (approximately 250 ml)
- Zest of one lemon and one orange (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons rum essence (for a hint of flavor)
- 5 eggs (4 yolks and 1 whole egg for added richness)
- 1 yolk for decoration
- 1 cup oil (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 cube fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for balanced flavor)

For the filling:
- 300 g roasted walnuts, crushed (you can use a bottle or a food processor)
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 4 tablespoons cocoa (for an intense chocolate flavor)
- 150 g raisins (soaked in warm water to become juicier)

Instructions

1. Preparing the starter:
In a large bowl, put 3/4 of the flour (approximately 750 g). In the middle, crumble the yeast and pour in a little warm milk. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the starter rise for 15-20 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mixing the yolks:
In another bowl, beat the yolks with 1/2 teaspoon of salt until creamy. Add the yolk mixture to the starter, mixing well.

3. Adding liquid ingredients:
Pour the remaining warm milk in which you have added the lemon zest and essences. Mix well to combine the flavors.

4. Kneading the dough:
Start gradually incorporating the rest of the flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic. Add the oil gradually, continuing to knead until it is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.

5. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in volume.

6. Preparing the filling:
In a bowl, combine the crushed walnuts, sugar, cocoa, and raisins. This filling will add a delicious taste and a crunchy texture.

7. Shaping the cozonaci:
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part out on a work surface into long sheets, the size of the cozonac tray. Evenly sprinkle the filling over each sheet, then carefully roll them up.

8. Braiding and placing in the tray:
Braid the two rolls and place them in greased trays. Cover with a cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. After the cozonaci have risen, brush them with beaten yolk and sprinkle a little sugar on top. Bake for 25 minutes at a higher temperature, then reduce the temperature to 160°C and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until golden.

10. Cooling and serving:
Let the cozonaci cool in the trays for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy the sophisticated aromas and unmistakable taste!

Practical tips

- Flour: For a fluffy cozonac, make sure to use high-quality flour. You can also opt for type 650 flour if you can't find type 550.
- Yeast: Use fresh yeast for the best results. If using dry yeast, adjust the amount to 7 g.
- Milk temperature: The milk should be warm, not hot. At too high a temperature, the yeast will die, and the dough will not rise properly.
- Filling: You can experiment with different fillings by adding chocolate, candied fruits, or even jam.

Nutritional benefits

Cozonac is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins (due to the eggs), and healthy fats from sunflower oil. Walnuts and cocoa add antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can use almond or soy milk, but the final texture will be slightly different.
- How long does cozonac last? Cozonac keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze cozonac? Yes, cozonac can be frozen. Wrap it well in cling film and place it in the freezer. When you want to serve it, let it thaw at room temperature.

Serving suggestions

Cozonac is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Additionally, a glass of sweet wine can add an elegant touch to your table.

Enjoy every step of this process and don't forget to put your personal touch on the recipe! Cooking is about bringing joy to both your life and the lives of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for 2 sweet breads: 1 kg flour, 1 cup milk, lemon/orange zest, rum essence, 5 eggs + 1 yolk for decoration, 1 cup oil, yeast (the size of a walnut). For the filling: roasted and crushed walnuts with a glass, 1 cup sugar, 4 tablespoons cocoa, raisins.