Easter Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 2½ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup (75 g) butter, softened
• Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: pearl sugar or sprinkles

Instructions

1. Mix warm milk, water, and yeast; let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and zest. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and butter; mix into sticky dough.
3. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
4. Let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
5. Punch down, shape into braid or coil, place on baking sheet; let rise 30–45 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush with egg wash and sprinkle toppings.
7. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden.
8. Cool slightly before slicing.