Kozinjak - Traditional Croatian Sweet Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 120ml (1/2 cup) warm milk 120ml (1/2 cup) warm milk
• 60ml (1/4 cup) honey 60ml (1/4 cup) honey
• Sliced almonds, for garnish Sliced almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 20g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

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, and orange zest.
3. 3.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture.
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 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts.
9. 9.
   Roll each part into a long rope and braid them together, forming a wreath shape.
10. 10.
    Transfer the wreath to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. 11.
    Brush the top of the wreath with honey and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
12. 12.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool completely 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.
• Honey — Opt for high-quality honey to enhance the flavor of the bread. Choose a variety that complements the citrus notes, such as orange blossom honey.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of rum or brandy to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar or honey in the recipe.
• To achieve a shiny crust, brush the bread with an egg wash before baking.
• Serve Kozinjak with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.
• Leftover Kozinjak can be toasted and enjoyed with butter or jam for a delicious breakfast treat.

Serving advice

Serve Kozinjak as a centerpiece dessert during festive occasions or as a delightful accompaniment to coffee or tea. Slice it into wedges and present it on a decorative platter for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of Kozinjak, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the bread just before serving. This will create a beautiful contrast against the golden crust and add a touch of elegance to the presentation.