Twisted Ukrainian Christmas Kolach
This festive Ukrainian Christmas Kolach is a stunning bread that embodies the spirit of celebration. With its intricate braid and golden-brown crust, it stands tall at about 5 to 6 inches and spans 9 inches in diameter, making it a centerpiece for any festive table. Traditionally served on the Christmas Eve feast, this rich and moist bread combines flavors of butter and eggs, providing a delightful texture reminiscent of brioche. The kolach is ideally presented as three twisted loaves stacked together, reflecting unity and tradition. As you share this bread, it brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings, accompanied by dishes like kutia, varenyky, and borscht. Enjoy the delightful aroma as it bakes, and savor the joy of this timeless recipe that keeps well, making it perfect for festive gifting.
N/A
Servings
220
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
active dry yeast
2 teaspoons (Dissolved in lukewarm water)
lukewarm water
1 cup (Used to dissolve the yeast)
granulated sugar
1/3 cup (Divided into portions for yeast and milk)
milk
1 cup (Heated to lukewarm)
unsalted butter
8 tablespoons (Melted)
salt
1 teaspoon (To enhance flavor)
large eggs
2 (Beaten)
unbleached all-purpose flour
6-7 cups (For dough consistency)
egg (for wash)
1 (Beaten for brushing on top)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast into 1 cup of lukewarm water. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, stirring well to activate the yeast. Set aside and let it froth for about 5-10 minutes.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar with 1 cup of warm milk. Stir in the melted unsalted butter (or vegetable oil), salt, and the beaten eggs until well incorporated.
3
Add 2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir until the batter is smooth.
4
Gently fold in the activated yeast mixture, stirring continuously in a consistent direction.
5
Gradually add an additional 4 to 5 cups of flour, one cup at a time. Mix well until the dough becomes too tough to mix with a spoon, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
6
Knead the dough for approximately 5-10 minutes, adding flour as needed to achieve a firm, smooth, and elastic texture.
7
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and tightly cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm area for about 3 hours or until it has doubled in size.
8
Gently deflate the risen dough and cover it again for an additional 1-hour rise.
9
Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan or a cast iron frying pan by greasing it lightly.
10
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Shape 2 of those pieces into long ropes about 33-36 inches in length.
11
Twist and braid these ropes together, forming a coiled shape. Pinch the ends together to form a circle and place it in the prepared pan.
12
For the remaining 4 pieces, roll them into 24-inch lengths and create another double coil, placing it atop the first one in the pan, pinching the ends to seal.
13
Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for about 45 minutes until nearly doubled.
14
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a rack in the lower third of the oven, using a baking stone or tiles if available.
15
Once risen, brush the top with a beaten egg for a glossy finish. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the bread is a rich golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
16
After baking, let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow it to firm up.
17
For traditional three loaves, triple the ingredients and follow the same shaping and baking guidelines. Allow ample time for cool before serving.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
29
Carbs
6
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ukrainian Christmas Kolach?
It is a festive, braided bread traditionally served during the Christmas Eve feast, known for its intricate design and golden-brown crust.
What are the dimensions of the finished Kolach?
The bread stands approximately 5 to 6 inches tall and has a diameter of 9 inches.
What does the shape of the Kolach represent?
The twisted loaves stacked together reflect unity and tradition within the holiday celebration.
What is the texture of the bread?
The texture is rich and moist, similar to a classic brioche.
What common dishes are served with Kolach?
It is traditionally served with kutia, varenyky, and borscht during the festive meal.
How much yeast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
How do you activate the yeast?
Dissolve the yeast in 1 cup of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar and let it froth for 5 to 10 minutes.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use 8 tablespoons of either melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil.
How many eggs are used in the dough?
The dough requires 2 large beaten eggs.
What type of flour is recommended?
Unbleached all-purpose flour is recommended for the best consistency.
How much flour is needed in total?
You will need between 6 to 7 cups of flour depending on the dough consistency.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
Knead the dough for approximately 5 to 10 minutes until it is firm, smooth, and elastic.
How long is the first rise?
The dough should rise in a warm area for about 3 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Is there a second rise?
Yes, after deflating the dough, it should be covered for an additional 1-hour rise.
How do I shape the base of the Kolach?
Divide the dough and shape 2 pieces into long ropes about 33 to 36 inches in length, then twist and braid them into a circle.
How long are the ropes for the top layer?
The remaining 4 pieces should be rolled into 24-inch lengths to create a double coil for the top.
What size pan is used for baking?
A 9-inch round cake pan or a cast iron frying pan is ideal.
How long is the final rise after shaping?
The shaped dough should rise for about 45 minutes until nearly doubled.
What is the baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Where should the oven rack be placed?
Place the rack in the lower third of the oven.
How do I achieve a glossy finish on the crust?
Brush the top of the risen dough with a beaten egg before putting it in the oven.
How long does the Kolach take to bake?
The bread typically bakes for approximately 1 hour.
How can I tell if the bread is fully cooked?
The bread is done when it is a rich golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
How long should the bread cool?
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Can I make a triple loaf stack?
Yes, triple the ingredients and follow the same shaping and baking guidelines to make three loaves.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 220 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 29 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this bread store well?
Yes, the bread keeps well, making it perfect for festive gifting.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 6 grams of protein.