Sweet bread
Delicious walnut and cocoa cozonac recipe
Cozonac is more than just a simple dessert; it is a true culinary tradition that brings the family together during special moments. Making cozonac can be a joyful experience, and its inviting aroma will fill the house, creating unforgettable memories. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a fluffy cozonac with a rich filling of walnuts, cocoa, and raisins. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet impressive recipe!
Total preparation time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12-14 slices
Necessary ingredients:
*For the starter:*
- 200 g fresh yeast (8 cubes of 25 g each)
- 500 ml warm milk
- A pinch of salt
- Flour as needed (approximately 200-300 g)
*For the dough:*
- 15 egg yolks
- 3 kg flour (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1.5 l warm sweet milk
- 1 kg sugar
- Grated zest of 2 lemons
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar
- Rum and vanilla essence (to taste)
- 1 cup of mineral water
- 1 packet of baking powder
*For the filling:*
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 100 g cocoa
- 500 g Turkish delight
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g raisins
- 2 vials of rum essence
Preparation instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the starter
1. In a bowl, crumble the yeast and add the warm milk along with a pinch of salt. Mix well to dissolve the yeast.
2. Start adding flour gradually until you obtain a soft but homogeneous mixture. It is important not to make it too soft, so add flour as needed.
3. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 15 minutes until the starter doubles in volume.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, add the 3 kg of sifted flour. Make a well in the center and add the well-beaten egg yolks.
2. In another bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, lemon zest, and rum and vanilla essences. Pour this mixture over the flour.
3. Incorporate the risen starter into the dough, adding the salt, baking powder, oil, and lard gradually. Knead the dough well until it becomes elastic and homogeneous.
4. Once you have a uniform mixture, cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume, about 1 hour.
Step 3: Preparing the filling
1. In a large bowl, mix the ground walnuts, cocoa, sugar, raisins, and rum essence.
2. Cut the Turkish delight into small cubes and add it to the filling mixture.
Step 4: Shaping the cozonac
1. After the dough has risen, divide it into 2-3 parts, depending on how big you want the cozonacs to be.
2. On a floured surface, stretch each piece of dough by hand, forming a rectangle.
3. Cover the entire surface with the filling mixture, then roll the dough tightly, forming a log.
4. Braid the two logs and place them in a greased baking pan.
5. Cover the pan with a towel and let the cozonacs rise again for 30-45 minutes in a warm place.
Step 5: Baking the cozonac
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Once the cozonacs have risen, brush them with beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust.
3. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the cozonacs are nicely browned and pass the toothpick test (insert a toothpick, and if it comes out clean, the cozonac is ready).
4. Let the cozonacs cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.
Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- To achieve a richer flavor, you can add a bit of cinnamon to the filling.
- If you want a moister cozonac, add a few tablespoons of milk to the filling.
- The cozonac is delicious served warm, but it also keeps well for a few days in an airtight container.
Nutritional benefits:
Cozonac is a good source of carbohydrates from flour, while walnuts provide healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Raisins and cocoa contribute to the intake of antioxidants and fiber.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but adjust the amount to about 7-10 g.
- What can I do with leftover dough? You can make delicious rolls or muffins.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the cozonac? Experiment with various essences or add candied fruits to the filling.
Serving suggestions:
Cozonac is perfect alongside a cup of warm milk or aromatic tea. It can be enjoyed plain or with a bit of peach jam for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Enjoy every step of making this traditional cozonac and turn it into an unforgettable experience with your loved ones! Happy cooking!
Ingredients: Maia: 8 cubes of yeast (25 grams each) 1/2 liter of warm milk a pinch of salt flour as needed Dough: 15 egg yolks 3 kg of flour 2 teaspoons of salt 1.5 liters of sweet milk 1 kg of sugar zest of 2 lemons 4 packets of vanilla sugar essence of rum, vanilla 1 cup of mineral water 1 packet of baking powder Composition: 1 large bowl of ground walnuts 1 packet of cocoa 500 g of Turkish delight 1 cup of sugar raisins 2 vials of rum essence
