Chef John's Easter Bread Recipe

Create a beautiful and delicious Easter bread with this recipe from Chef John. This sweet and festive bread is perfect for Easter brunch or to enjoy as a treat during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Directions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit until frothy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add in melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, adding raisins as you knead.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush the loaf with the egg yolk wash.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

Interesting Facts