Sweet Braided Bread (Tsourekia)

Check also a marvelous similar french recipe :

French brioche bread

Tsourekia are traditional Greek sweet breads, similar to French brioche, soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet. Fragrant with vanilla and optional mahlab, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or festive occasions, they are lightly scented and golden, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

INGREDIENTS

• 200 ml warm milk
• 70–80 g sugar
• 1½ tsp salt
• 3 eggs
• 500 g all-purpose flour (T45), plus extra if needed
• 45 g fresh yeast, crumbled
• 70 g unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
• Optional: ½–1 tsp mahlab, 1 tsp orange zest, almond powder for decoration

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a mixer with the dough hook, combine milk, sugar, salt, eggs, flour, and optional mahlab/orange zest; mix 1 min at low speed.
2. Add yeast and knead 10 min at medium speed.
3. Add butter and knead 5 min more at medium speed; add extra flour if dough is too sticky.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1h30).
5. Gently knead, then divide dough into 6 equal pieces.
6. Roll each piece into a 3 cm × 30 cm cylinder.
7. Braid 3 pieces into 2 loaves; place on buttered trays, cover, and let rise 1 hour.
8. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle almond powder if desired.
9. Bake at 180°C (fan) for 25–30 minutes, until golden.
10. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

SERVING TIPS & VARIATIONS

Cinnamon rolls: Roll open dough into a rectangle, butter, sprinkle sugar & cinnamon, roll, slice, and bake. Pralina snail bread: Add pink praline and roll into a large snail shape before baking. Perfect for Easter gifting—wrap in small bags or boxes for family and friends.