Bulgarian Easter Bread Kozunak for Bread Machine

Celebrate Easter with the warm, sweet aroma of Bulgarian Easter Bread Kozunak, effortlessly made with the help of your bread machine. This traditional braided bread is enriched with eggs, butter, and a hint of vanilla and lemon zest, creating a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Optionally studded with golden raisins, the loaf is beautifully golden, thanks to an egg wash and a sprinkle of sugar that caramelizes during baking. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this recipe saves you time with the bread machine handling the kneading and initial rise, while still allowing you to shape and bake the loaf for an authentic, homemade touch. Serve it as a centerpiece for your Easter spread or enjoy it with coffee for a delightful treat any time of day.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 120 ml Whole milk
• 120 grams Granulated sugar
• 60 grams Unsalted butter
• 2 pieces Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 375 grams Bread flour
• 7 grams Active dry yeast
• 1 pinch Pinch of salt
• 80 grams Golden raisins (optional)
• 1 piece Egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (about 40–45°C or 105–115°F). Do not overheat, as it could kill the yeast.

Step 2

Add the butter to the milk and stir until it is melted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the milk mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Pour the liquid mixture into the bread machine pan.

Step 5

Add the bread flour evenly over the liquid mixture in the pan.

Step 6

Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top of the flour, followed by a pinch of salt.

Step 7

Place the bread machine pan into the machine and select the 'Dough' setting. Start the machine.

Step 8

After the dough cycle begins (around 5–10 minutes in), check the dough consistency. If it is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it forms a soft, cohesive ball. If too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time.

Step 9

When the machine beeps to add additional ingredients, if desired, incorporate the golden raisins into the dough.

Step 10

Once the dough cycle is complete, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal portions and roll each into a long strip.

Step 11

Braid the strips together into a loaf shape. Tuck the ends underneath for a neat appearance. Transfer the braided loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 12

Cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30–40 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Step 13

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 14

Whisk the egg for the egg wash and gently brush it over the top of the bread. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of sugar for a touch of sweetness and shine.

Step 15

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 16

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(934.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2868.2

Total Fat 76.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 705.7mg	0%
Sodium 419.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 491.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.9g	0%
Total Sugars 198.8g
Protein 72.9g	0%

Vitamin D 175.5IU	0%
Calcium 352.9mg	0%
Iron 20.7mg	0%
Potassium 1556.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.3%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 66.8%