Delicious cozonac

Delicious Cozonac – a traditional recipe for a quick and simple dessert that will bring joy to every home. This fluffy and aromatic cozonac is perfect for special occasions or simply to indulge your family. I will guide you step by step through the preparation process, providing practical tips and variations to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients:
- 500 ml warm milk
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 100 g fresh yeast
- 3 egg yolks
- 1.1 kg flour (preferably type 650)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 30 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, pour the warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and add the granulated sugar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, add the crumbled fresh yeast and the 3 egg yolks. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes until the yeast starts to activate and bubble.

Step 2: Mixing the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and salt. This step is essential as it helps aerate the flour and ensures a fluffier cozonac. After the dry ingredients are well mixed, gradually add them to the milk and yeast mixture.

Step 3: Kneading the dough
Add the oil and start kneading the dough. It should be soft and slightly sticky. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is crucial for gluten development, which will give the cozonac that fluffy texture.

Step 4: Proofing the dough
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shaping the cozonac
Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and gently knead it to release the air. Divide it into two or three parts, depending on how many layers you want. You can fill the cozonac with ground nuts, cocoa, raisins, or even chocolate. Roll each piece of dough into a thin sheet, add the desired filling, and roll tightly.

Step 6: Placing in the pan
Place the rolled pieces in a greased baking tray or lined with parchment paper. Let the cozonac rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cozonac for 45-50 minutes or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test. If the cozonac browns too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil in the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Serving
Let the cozonac cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It is delicious both warm and cold, served with a fragrant tea or coffee. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Variation suggestion: For an exotic-tasting cozonac, try adding a few tablespoons of rum essence or a mix of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the filling. This detail will transform the cozonac into a memorable dessert!

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to turn on your oven and enjoy this delicious cozonac that will impress everyone. Enjoy your meal!