Indulge in the soft and flavorful world of Yogurt Braids, a delightful baked good that combines the rich taste of yogurt with a light, fluffy texture. Made with simple ingredients like warm milk, dry yeast, sugar, vanilla yogurt, and zesty lemon and orange peel, these braids are a perfect companion for your afternoon tea or coffee. The dough, enriched with butter and egg, is carefully crafted into elegant braids, offering not just a treat for your palate but also a feast for your eyes.
Why You'll Love Them:
- Soft and Fluffy: The combination of yogurt and butter creates a tender and airy texture.
- Subtle Citrus Flavor: The addition of lemon and orange zest adds a refreshing touch to each bite.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat with your favorite beverage.
- Enjoyable Baking Experience: The process of braiding the dough is fun and therapeutic, making it a joy to bake.
Ingredients:
- 250 ml warm milk
- 10g dry yeast
- 150g sugar
- 100g vanilla yogurt (or your choice of flavor)
- 1 egg
- 50g melted butter
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- A pinch of salt
- Approximately 600g all-purpose flour
- For glazing: 1 egg yolk mixed with a bit of milk and powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a bowl, mix flour with warm milk, yeast, and a spoonful of sugar. Stir and let it sit for 15 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Make Dough: Add the remaining sugar, yogurt, melted butter, lemon and orange zest, salt, and a beaten egg to the yeast mixture. Knead for 10 minutes and let it rise for 2 hours.
- Shape Braids: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Cut into 5-6 cm wide strips, layer them, and cut in half lengthwise. Braid the strips and place them on a baking tray. Let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Glaze and Bake: Brush with the egg yolk-milk mixture. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 40 minutes.
Enjoy these soft and fluffy Yogurt Braids, dusted with powdered sugar, ideal for a sweet and satisfying snack!