Easter Bread Colored Eggs (Printable)
Tender braided bread adorned with brightly colored eggs, ideal for festive spring occasions.
# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
04 - 3/4 cup whole milk, lukewarm
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Decoration
10 - 5-6 raw eggs colored with food-safe dye
11 - 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon milk for egg wash
12 - 1-2 tablespoons colored sprinkles
# Directions:
01 - Dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in the lukewarm milk. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, and lemon zest until well incorporated.
03 - Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms.
04 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if overly sticky.
05 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
06 - Punch down the risen dough and divide into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a 16-inch rope.
07 - Braid the three ropes together and form into a ring or leave as a straight braid. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
08 - Gently tuck the colored raw eggs into the braid folds, spacing them evenly. Avoid pressing too deeply into the dough.
09 - Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy and noticeably expanded.
10 - Preheat the oven to 350°F.
11 - Brush the bread surface with the egg yolk and milk mixture, being careful to avoid brushing the colored eggs. Sprinkle with colored sprinkles if desired.
12 - Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Tent with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly.
13 - Transfer the bread to a wire rack and cool completely before serving. Slice and enjoy with butter, jams, or honey.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The tender, slightly sweet crumb makes it perfect for breakfast or afternoon coffee with family
- Watching those colorful eggs bake into the bread brings so much joy to the table
02 -
- Raw eggs will bake perfectly inside the bread, so never use hard boiled eggs or they will turn rubbery and dry
- Lemon zest is optional but I promise it makes such a difference in cutting through the richness
03 -
- If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add flour just one tablespoon at a time to avoid drying it out
- Tent with foil after 15 minutes of baking if the top is getting too dark before the center is done