Butterzopf

Butter Zopf, a classic German/Austrian sweet bread, is a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert. This rich, buttery braided loaf is light, fluffy, and beautifully golden, perfect when paired with a morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

🌾 2.5 kg White Flour Brand: Not specified
🥚 15 Eggs
🧈 250g Butter
🧅 5 Packets Dry Yeast Brand: Not specified
🍚 3 Handfuls Sugar
🍋 Lemon Zest Quantity not specified
🧂 1 Teaspoon Salt
🍸 1 Shot Egg Liqueur
🥛 1 Liter Milk
🥚 1 Egg for brushing
🥛 100ml Cream for brushing
🍚 Powdered Sugar for dusting

Instructions

1- Prepare the Dough:

Combine the flour, eggs, butter, dry yeast, sugar, lemon zest, salt, egg liqueur, and milk in a large mixing bowl.
Mix until a smooth dough forms, then cover the bowl and let it rise for 30 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

2- Divide and Shape:

Take one-third of the risen dough for the Zopf (store or freeze the remaining dough for other pastries).
Lightly flour your work surface and divide this portion into three equal pieces.
Roll each piece into long, even strands. If sticky, sprinkle flour to assist rolling.

3- Braid the Dough:

Align the strands in an 'X' shape on a floured surface. Braid from the center outwards, ensuring the ends are tucked under or sealed.

4- Second Rise:

Transfer the braided dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

5- Prepare the Egg Wash:

In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and 100ml of cream until well combined.

6- Brush and Bake:

Preheat the oven to 175°C.
Gently brush the risen braided dough with the egg wash using a silicone brush.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until golden brown.

7- Cool and Dust:

Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Prep Time: Not specified
Cook Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Total Time: Not specified
Servings: Makes approximately 3-4 Zopf loaves (depends on portioning)
Calories, Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates: Not specified
Equipment:
🍞 Dough Scraper: Generic yellow plastic
🔪 Kitchen Scale: Digital professional-style (Brand unspecified)
🔲 Baking Sheet: Standard metal baking sheet (Generic)
📄 Parchment Paper: Brown (Generic)
🍴 Small Bowl: For egg wash (Generic, stainless steel)
🍴 Silicone Brush: Generic pink/red
♨️ Oven: Standard home oven (Generic)
🧤 Oven Mitts: Red and white checkered fabric (Generic)