Golden Honey Challah
This Golden Honey Challah is a delightful twist on the classic Jewish bread, featuring a rich honey flavor and a beautifully braided texture. Perfect for special occasions, holiday meals, or as a centerpiece for Shabbat, this bread machine version dramatically reduces prep time and cleanup. The result is a soft, tender loaf with a golden crust that you can proudly serve to family and friends. Enhance its perfection by brushing it with milk for a glossy finish and sprinkling sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
7/8 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
honey
1/4 cup (none)
eggs
2 (beaten)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
all-purpose flour
4 cups (none)
active dry yeast
2 teaspoons (none)
milk
for brushing (none (optional))
sesame seeds
for sprinkling (none (optional))
Instructions
1
Pour 7/8 cup water into the bread machine followed by 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup honey, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup melted butter.
2
Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour on top of the liquid ingredients, creating a well in the center to add 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
3
Select the DOUGH cycle on your bread machine and start it.
4
Once the first rise is complete, carefully remove the dough from the machine onto a lightly floured surface.
5
Divide the dough into three equal portions and roll each piece into a long strand.
6
Braid the strands together, starting from the middle and working towards the ends. Tuck the ends underneath to create a rounded loaf.
7
Transfer the braided dough to a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
8
Brush the top with milk and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.
9
Cover the pan with a clean cloth and allow it to rise until doubled in size, approximately 60 minutes.
10
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
11
Bake the challah for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12
Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Honey Challah?
Golden Honey Challah is a flavored variation of the traditional Jewish braided bread, featuring a rich honey taste and a soft, tender texture.
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a bread machine to reduce preparation time and simplify cleanup.
What ingredients do I need for Golden Honey Challah?
You will need water, salt, honey, eggs, melted butter, all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and optional milk and sesame seeds for the topping.
How much honey is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1/4 cup of honey to provide its signature sweetness and flavor.
What type of flour is best for this challah?
The recipe specifies 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 2 beaten eggs for the dough.
What setting should I use on my bread machine?
You should select the DOUGH cycle on your bread machine.
In what order should I add the ingredients to the bread machine?
Start with the liquid ingredients (water, salt, honey, eggs, and melted butter), then add the flour, and finally the yeast in a well in the center of the flour.
How do I shape the challah dough?
Divide the dough into three equal portions, roll them into long strands, and braid them together.
Where should I start braiding the dough strands?
Start braiding from the middle of the strands and work towards the ends, then tuck the ends underneath.
What size pan is needed for baking?
A greased 9x5 inch loaf pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I get a glossy finish on the crust?
Brush the top of the braided dough with milk before baking to achieve a glossy, golden finish.
Are sesame seeds required?
Sesame seeds are optional but can be sprinkled on top for extra crunch and a traditional look.
How long should the dough rise after braiding?
Allow the dough to rise in the pan for approximately 60 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
What temperature should the oven be?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the challah take to bake?
The bread should bake for 35 to 45 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is fully cooked?
The crust should be golden brown, and the loaf should sound hollow when you tap the bottom.
Should the butter be melted or cold?
The butter should be melted before adding it to the bread machine.
How much yeast is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe produces one large braided loaf; the specific serving size is not specified but it typically serves 8-12 people.
What should I do once the bread machine finishes the dough cycle?
Remove the dough onto a lightly floured surface to begin the shaping and braiding process.
Is this bread suitable for Shabbat?
Yes, Challah is a traditional centerpiece for Shabbat and holiday meals.
Do I need to cover the dough while it rises?
Yes, cover the pan with a clean cloth while it rises to keep the dough from drying out.
How long should the bread cool?
Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I make this without a loaf pan?
While the recipe suggests a 9x5 pan, you can also bake it on a greased baking sheet for a more traditional free-form shape.
What type of yeast does this recipe use?
This recipe uses active dry yeast.
How much water is required?
The recipe calls for 7/8 cup of water.
Why do I need to make a well in the flour for the yeast?
Creating a well ensures the yeast does not come into contact with the liquid or salt prematurely, which is important for the bread machine's timing.
Is the texture of this bread soft?
Yes, the addition of honey, eggs, and butter results in a very soft and tender loaf.
How many ingredients are in the Golden Honey Challah?
There are 9 ingredients total, including the optional toppings.