Estonian Kringel

To prepare a delicious braided bread with butter and cinnamon, the first step is to warm the milk. It is essential that it is lukewarm, not hot, as excessive temperatures can destroy the yeast. Once we achieve the desired temperature, we add the fresh yeast and sugar, gently stirring until the yeast is completely dissolved. This mixture will activate the yeast, and the dough will rise beautifully.

After the yeast is active, we add the butter, which should be at room temperature, the egg yolk, and the flour. We start kneading the ingredients until we obtain a consistent and smooth dough. This step is crucial, as kneading helps develop the gluten, which will give the bread an airy and fluffy texture. Once the dough is ready, we cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about two hours, during which it will double in volume.

Meanwhile, we can prepare the filling. In a bowl, we mix the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon, creating a homogeneous mixture that will add an irresistible flavor to our bread. When the dough has risen, we sprinkle flour on a clean work surface and roll out a sheet of dough, making sure it is even.

After the sheet is rolled out, we generously spread the butter and cinnamon mixture on it, leaving a little aside for brushing on top. We carefully but firmly roll the sheet and then, with a sharp knife, cut it lengthwise, making sure to leave one end uncut. This technique will allow us to braid the sheets, creating a rustic and attractive appearance.

To form the bread, we start braiding from the uncut end, with the cut side facing outwards. Once we finish braiding, we join the ends and brush the top with the remaining butter and cinnamon mixture. We place the bread in a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with butter and dusted with flour, and let it rest for a few minutes before putting it in the oven.

We preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the bread for about 20 minutes, or until it turns golden and emits an inviting aroma. When it is ready, we let it cool slightly before enjoying it, either plain or with a glass of warm milk or a cup of tea. This braided bread with butter and cinnamon will surely be a delight for the whole family!

 Ingredients: 150 ml milk, 350 g flour, 1/2 cube fresh yeast, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 egg yolk, 50 g butter. For greasing: 70 g butter, 4 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon.

 Tags:  eggs milk unt flour sugar christmas and new year's recipes vegetarian recipes