Authentic Greek Tsoureki with Citrus Essence
This delightful recipe for Tsoureki, a traditional Greek sweet bread, has been lovingly passed down through generations in my family. Originating from Greece, this soft and fragrant Easter bread is typically enjoyed during the festive season, often embellished with red-dyed hard-boiled eggs nestled within its beautiful braided structure. However, its irresistible aroma and taste have made it a beloved breakfast treat enjoyed all year round. The incorporation of warm milk, rich butter, and zesty orange combined with a hint of vanilla creates a delectable flavor profile that will warm your heart and home. Serve it sliced, buttered, or toasted; it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for a perfect start to your day.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
1 cup (warm)
flour
4 1/2 - 5 1/2 cups (all-purpose flour)
sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons (active dry)
eggs
3 large (room temperature)
egg yolk
1 large (for egg wash)
salt
1 teaspoon (fine)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
orange zest
2 teaspoons (freshly grated)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (pure)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk until warm (not boiling). Remove from heat and whisk in 1 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, and yeast until combined. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and let it stand in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2
Once the mixture is frothy, add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition to fully incorporate them.
3
Next, add another cup of flour, orange zest, and salt to the mixture. Mix well, then add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and orange juice to create a smooth dough.
4
Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, kneading the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
5
Lightly coat a large bowl with oil and place the dough into the bowl, turning it to coat in oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
7
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and roll each portion into a long strand (about 12 inches). Braid the strands together to form a loaf, ensuring it's shaped to your preference.
8
In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Gently brush the egg wash over the braided loaves for a beautiful, golden finish.
9
Place the braided loaves on a lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
10
Allow the Tsoureki to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your fresh-baked bread warm or at room temperature!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tsoureki?
Tsoureki is a traditional Greek sweet bread known for being soft and fragrant, often enjoyed during the Easter season.
Is this an authentic recipe?
Yes, this recipe for Tsoureki has been lovingly passed down through generations in a Greek family.
When is Tsoureki traditionally served?
It is typically served during the Easter season, but its irresistible taste makes it a popular breakfast treat all year round.
What creates the citrus flavor in this bread?
The citrus profile is created by incorporating freshly grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice.
How should I serve Tsoureki?
You can serve it sliced, buttered, or toasted, and it pairs exceptionally well with coffee or tea.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What type of yeast is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of active dry yeast.
How should I prepare the milk?
The milk should be gently heated in a small saucepan until warm, but not boiling.
How long should the initial flour and yeast mixture sit?
It should stand in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
What temperature should the eggs be?
The three large eggs used in the dough should be at room temperature.
When do I add the butter?
Softened butter is added to the mixture along with the vanilla extract and orange juice after the eggs have been incorporated.
How long do I need to knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
What is the initial oven temperature?
Preheat and start baking at 400°F (200°C).
How do I shape the bread?
Divide the dough into 2 equal portions, roll them into long strands about 12 inches long, and braid them together.
How do I make the egg wash?
The egg wash is made by mixing one large egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water.
Why is an egg wash used?
Brushing the egg wash over the braided loaves provides a beautiful, golden finish.
How long does the bread bake at the initial temperature?
Bake the loaves at 400°F (200°C) for the first 15 minutes.
Do I change the temperature during baking?
Yes, after the first 15 minutes, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the remaining 20 minutes.
How can I tell if the Tsoureki is fully baked?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
How long should the bread cool before slicing?
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
Is vanilla used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract are used to enhance the flavor.
What kind of sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
Does this bread contain salt?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of fine salt is included in the dough.
What is the texture of the bread?
The bread has a soft texture and a fragrant aroma.
Can I add red eggs to the bread?
While not required for this specific recipe, it is traditional to nestle red-dyed hard-boiled eggs within the braided structure during Easter.
Should I oil the bowl for rising?
Yes, lightly coat a large bowl with oil and turn the dough to coat it before letting it rise.
How much orange zest is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of freshly grated orange zest.
Is the orange juice fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.