Hefezopf (Yeast Braid)

1. 1

   Dissolve sugar and yeast in the lukewarm milk.

2. 2

   Mix flour and salt in a big bowl of a hand or stand mixer and stir in the milk mixture.

3. 3

   Add the egg and let the mixer do it's thing until most of the ingredients are roughly combined.

4. 4

   Add the soft butter and knead for 8-10 minutes. Make sure the butter is fully absorbed and evenly distributed. The dough should be smooth and come away from the sides of the bowl.

5. 5

   Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 45 minutes (I have done anything from 30 to 60 minutes).

6. 6

   Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.

7. 7

   Divide the dough into three equal pieces (or two or four depending on your braiding technique), and braid the dough.

8. 8

   Place the braid on the prepared baking tray, cover it and let it rest for another 30 minutes.

9. 9

   In the last 15 minutes of the raise, preheat the oven to 350F/180C.

10. 10

    Brush the braid with buttermilk or egg wash, decorate with sesame (or coarse sugar or other seeds), and bake for 25 minutes.

11. 11

    Have a warm piece with some cultured, salted butter.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.