Recipe

Cougnou - Belgian Christmas Bread

Fluffy Delights: Belgian Cougnou - A Festive Christmas Bread

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Belgian cuisine with this traditional Cougnou recipe. Originating from Belgium, Cougnou is a delightful Christmas bread that is shaped like a baby Jesus. It is a symbol of joy and celebration during the holiday season.

Sweet Bread› Cougnou

European cuisine› Western European cuisine› Belgian cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

25-30 minutes

Total time

2 hours

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Lactose-free (if using dairy-free butter and milk alternatives)

Allergens

Wheat, Dairy, Eggs

Not suitable for

Vegan, Gluten-free, Egg-free

Ingredients

500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
10g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
2 large eggs 2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
Pearl sugar, for decoration (optional) Pearl sugar, for decoration (optional)

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
Carbohydrates: 50g (Sugars: 12g)
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1.
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, and softened butter. Mix well.
3.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4.
Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
5.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into three equal portions.
9.
Roll each portion into a long rope and braid them together, shaping the braid into a figure resembling baby Jesus.
10.
Place the shaped Cougnou on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11.
Cover the Cougnou with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
12.
Optional: Sprinkle pearl sugar over the Cougnou for decoration.
13.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
14.
Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Orange zest — Make sure to use organic oranges and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue.
Pearl sugar — If you can't find pearl sugar, you can substitute it with coarse sugar crystals for a similar decorative effect.

Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the dough before kneading.
To achieve a shiny crust, brush the Cougnou with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of milk) before baking.
Serve the Cougnou warm with a spread of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra indulgence.

Serving advice

Serve the Cougnou as a centerpiece on your Christmas table. Slice it and enjoy it as a breakfast treat or a delightful dessert. It pairs perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate or a warm mug of spiced mulled wine.

Presentation advice

To enhance the festive presentation, you can dust the Cougnou with powdered sugar just before serving. Place it on a decorative platter or wrap it in a festive cloth for an extra touch of holiday spirit.