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Easy Tsoureki

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Easy Tsoureki is a simplified version of the traditional Greek Easter bread, known for its soft, fluffy texture and sweet, aromatic flavor. Made with orange zest, vanilla, and optional spices like mahleb or mastiha, this braided loaf is perfect for holidays or everyday baking.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp mahleb or 1/4 tsp ground mastiha
  • 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
  • Sesame seeds or sliced almonds (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and optional mahleb or mastiha.
  3. Add the activated yeast mixture, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough begins to form.
  4. Gradually add the melted butter while kneading the dough until smooth and elastic (10–15 minutes by hand or 8–10 minutes with a stand mixer).
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and divide into 2 or 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and braid together.
  7. Transfer the braid to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Brush the braid with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds or sliced almonds, if using.
  10. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use mahleb or mastiha for traditional Greek flavor, but vanilla and orange zest work well alone.The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—avoid over-flouring.Refrigerate the dough after the first rise if baking the next day.Freezes well for up to 2 months—slice before freezing for easy serving.Perfect with butter, jam, or turned into French toast.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/easy-tsoureki/