Holiday Braid Recipe

Name: Holiday Braid
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk (110u00b0 to 115u00b0); 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 cup butter; 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk; 1/2 cup chopped red and green candied cherries; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 1 tablespoon water; 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; Additional candied cherries, optional

Servings: persons

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110u00b0 to 115u00b0)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 cup butter
1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
1/2 cup chopped red and green candied cherries
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon milk
Additional candied cherries, optional

1
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in milk. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest and cardamom. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add yeast mixture and whole egg; mix well. Stir in cherries, raisins and pecans.
2
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour (dough will not double in size).
3
Punch dough down; divide into four pieces. Roll three pieces into 15-in. ropes. Braid ropes; place on a greased
4
. Divide last portion of dough in half; roll each into a 15-in. rope. Twist ropes. Press an indentation down the center of braided loaf; place twisted dough in indentation. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
5
Beat egg yolk and water; brush over loaf. Bake at 350u00b0 for 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil; bake 20-25 minutes more. Cool on a wire rack. Combine sugar and milk; drizzle over loaf. Decorate with cherries if desired.

957

kcal

Calories

Fat

146

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast, 1 cup warm milk (110u00b0 to 115u00b0), 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and more.

Yes, Holiday Braid falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Holiday Braid

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions