Sweet Armenian Easter Braid
Delight in the flavors of this sweet Armenian Easter bread, also known as 'Choreg.' With a beautiful braided shape and a hint of exotic spices, it’s perfect for festive occasions and gatherings. The unique blend of mahleb—a fragrant spice made from ground cherry pits that lends a subtle, nutty flavor—and nigella seeds—which add a mild onion-like essence—create an irresistible combination. This bread is soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, making it the ideal treat for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or let it cool and serve with honey or jam. This recipe yields two large or three small loaves, perfect for sharing during Easter celebrations, or any time you wish to treat loved ones to something special.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour
6 cups (sifted, for best results)
Unsalted Butter
1 cup (melted)
Milk
1 cup (warmed)
Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup (for sweetening)
Large Eggs
3 (beaten, plus 1 egg yolk for brushing)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Active Dry Yeast
2 1/4 teaspoons
Mahleb (ground seeds)
1 teaspoon (adjust according to taste)
Nigella Seeds
1 teaspoon
Poppy Seeds or Chopped Blanched Almonds
as needed (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a stand mixer or mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warmed milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2
Add the melted butter and sugar to the yeast mixture, then mix in the beaten eggs, salt, ground mahleb, and nigella seeds until well combined.
3
Gradually add the sifted flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4
Knead the dough by hand or with the dough hook for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes shiny and elastic, not sticking to your hands.
5
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat with oil. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm area to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
6
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into two or three equal balls, depending on how many loaves you wish to make.
7
Take one ball and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 12-14 inches long.
8
Pinch the three ropes together at one end and braid them loosely, then pinch and tuck the ends under to secure the braid.
9
Place the braided shape onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and allow it to rise again until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
10
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once risen, brush the tops with the beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with poppy seeds or chopped blanched almonds.
11
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness. The bread is ready when it is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads around 195-200°F.
12
Remove from the oven and let the loaves cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet Armenian Easter Braid?
Sweet Armenian Easter Braid, also known as Choreg, is a soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet traditional bread flavored with exotic spices like mahleb and nigella seeds.
What are the unique spices used in Choreg?
The bread uses mahleb, a fragrant spice from ground cherry pits, and nigella seeds, which provide a mild onion-like essence.
What does mahleb taste like?
Mahleb offers a subtle, nutty flavor that is unique to Middle Eastern and Armenian baking.
How many loaves does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields two large loaves or three small loaves.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for six cups of all-purpose flour, which should be sifted for the best results.
How should the yeast be prepared?
Dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast in warmed milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
How much butter is used in the dough?
The recipe requires 1 cup of unsalted butter, which must be melted before adding to the mixture.
How many eggs are needed?
You need 3 large beaten eggs for the dough, plus an additional egg yolk for brushing on top before baking.
What is the first step in mixing the dough?
After the yeast foams, mix in the melted butter, sugar, beaten eggs, salt, mahleb, and nigella seeds.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for about 10 minutes until it is shiny and elastic.
How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?
The dough should be shiny, elastic, and no longer sticking to your hands.
How long is the first rising period?
The dough should rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, which typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
How do I shape the Armenian Easter Braid?
Divide the dough into equal balls, then divide each ball into three pieces. Roll these into 12-14 inch ropes and braid them loosely.
How long are the dough ropes for braiding?
Each piece of dough should be rolled into a long rope approximately 12 to 14 inches long.
Is there a second rise required?
Yes, once braided, cover the loaves and allow them to rise again until doubled, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the bread.
What is used to give the bread a golden finish?
The tops of the loaves are brushed with a beaten egg yolk before they go into the oven.
What toppings are recommended for Choreg?
You can sprinkle the tops with poppy seeds or chopped blanched almonds.
How long does the bread bake?
Bake the loaves for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown.
What is the target internal temperature for the bread?
The bread is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads between 195-200°F.
Should the bread be cooled before serving?
Yes, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
What can I serve with Armenian Easter Braid?
It is delicious fresh out of the oven or served cool with honey or jam.
When is this bread typically served?
While perfect for Easter celebrations, it is also a great treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack anytime.
What is the texture of the finished bread?
The bread is soft, fluffy, and has a light sweetness.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the dough.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
What amount of nigella seeds should be used?
Use 1 teaspoon of nigella seeds in the dough mixture.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer can be used for both the initial mixing and the kneading process.
How do I secure the braid ends?
Pinch the ends of the three ropes together and tuck them under the loaf to secure the shape.
What should I do with the dough after the first rise?
Punch down the dough and divide it into equal balls before beginning the shaping process.