Cougnou - Belgian Christmas Bread

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