Delight in the rich flavors and inviting aroma of Estonian Kringle, a beautifully braided cinnamon bread. With its soft, buttery interior and crusty top, this traditional treat makes for a perfect breakfast or holiday centerpiece.

Ingredients
🍞 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
🧂 1/2 tsp salt
🥛 3/4 cup lukewarm milk
🍬 1 tbsp sugar
🍺 15g fresh yeast or 1 envelope active dry yeast
🧈 2 tbsp melted butter
🥚 1 egg yolk
🧈 1/4 cup softened butter
🍬 4 to 5 tbsp sugar
🌿 3 tsp cinnamon
🌰 3 tsp grounded almonds
Instructions
1- Activate Yeast:
- Liquefy the fresh yeast by stirring it with sugar in a medium ceramic bowl.
- Add lukewarm milk, the egg yolk, and melted butter, mixing thoroughly.
2- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk the flour and salt together in a large clear glass bowl.
3- Prepare Dough:
- Pour the yeast mixture over the flour mixture.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, pulling away from the bowl edges.
- Shape it into a ball.
4- Initial Rise:
- Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough in it, and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let sit for about 1 hour at room temperature until doubled in size.
5- Filling Prep:
- Mix the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the filling.
6- Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a dark metal baking sheet with parchment paper.
7- Roll Dough:
- Roll the dough into an 18 x 12-inch rectangle on a floured wooden cutting board using a wooden rolling pin.
8- Add Filling:
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Set aside 1 tbsp of filling for later.
9- Optional Almonds:
- Sprinkle grounded almonds over the filling, if desired.
10- Form the Braid:
- Roll the dough into a log.
- Slice it in half lengthwise with a sharp knife, leaving one end uncut.
11- Braid and Shape:
- Braid the two pieces, ensuring the open layers remain on top.
- Form the braid into a wreath, pinching ends together.
12- Final Prep:
- Move the wreath to the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with the reserved filling for added flavor.
13- Bake:
- Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Reduce to 350°F (180°C) during the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
14- Serve:
- Enjoy the kringle warm for maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approx. 250 calories per serving
Proteins: Approx. 5g
Fats: Approx. 13g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 30g
Equipment: Medium ceramic bowl, large clear glass bowl, silver metal spoon, whisk, plastic wrap, rolling pin, sharp knife, dark metal baking sheet, parchment paper, oven, silicone brush, wooden cutting board
Cooking Tips
- Yeast & Sugar: Activating yeast with sugar ensures better bread rising.
- Warm Environment: For optimal rising, leave the dough in a warm spot.
- Filling Techniques: Reserving part of the filling for topping ensures a glossy, flavorful finish.
#estonian #bread #cinnamon #holidaybaking #kringle
Home Cooking Adventure: https://www.youtube.com/@Homecookingadventurerecipes
#homecookingadventurerecipes
Estonian Kringle