Traditional Macedonian Kozinjak: A Step-By-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 kg all-purpose flour
  • 300 ml warm milk
  • 200 g sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 150 g butter
  • 50 g fresh yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 100 g raisins
  • 100 g walnuts, chopped
  • 1 egg white, for glazing
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in a little warm milk. Add a teaspoon of sugar, stir and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the middle and pour in the yeast mixture.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the warm milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Pour the egg mixture into the well of the flour. Gradually mix the flour into the liquid ingredients, kneading until a smooth and elastic dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
  5. Knead in the raisins and chopped walnuts.
  6. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
  7. Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope. Braid the ropes together to form a loaf.
  8. Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about an hour.
  9. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  10. Brush the loaf with beaten egg white and bake for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the middle of the loaf.
  11. Allow the loaf to cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour
  • Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor
  • Replacing raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots
  • Using almond extract instead of vanilla extract
  • Adding a teaspoon of rum or brandy to the dough for a boozy twist
  • Adding chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey version
  • Using a combination of different nuts like almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts
  • Adding a cream cheese filling to the braid before baking
  • Making individual kozinjak rolls instead of one large loaf
  • Using a glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice instead of dusting with powdered sugar

Recipe overview

Kozinjak is a traditional Macedonian sweet bread that is often prepared for Easter and Christmas celebrations. This delightful loaf is enriched with eggs, butter, and sugar, then flavored with vanilla and citrus zest. Inside, it's studded with raisins and walnuts, giving each slice a lovely texture and taste. The dough is braided into a beautiful loaf, making it a centerpiece-worthy addition to any festive table. The process of making Kozinjak involves kneading a soft, elastic dough and letting it rise until doubled in size, a step that ensures a fluffy and light bread. The loaf is then baked until golden brown and dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. The end result is a deliciously fragrant bread with a tender crumb that's perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast with instant yeast. Use 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast for every 50 grams of fresh yeast in the recipe.
  2. Can I replace raisins with other dried fruits? Absolutely! You can swap out raisins with any other dried fruit of your choice, such as currants, chopped dates, or dried cranberries.
  3. Can I omit the nuts? Yes, if you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use nuts, you can omit them from the recipe. The kozinjak will still turn out delicious.
  4. Can I freeze the kozinjak? Yes, you can freeze the kozinjak. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
  5. Can I make mini kozinjaks instead of one large loaf? Definitely! Instead of braiding the dough into one large loaf, you can divide it into smaller portions and braid mini kozinjaks. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as they will bake faster than the large loaf.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowls - You'll need mixing bowls to combine and knead the ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Baking sheet - A baking sheet is needed to place the braided loaf on for baking.
  • Parchment paper - Parchment paper prevents the loaf from sticking to the baking sheet.
  • Kitchen towel - A kitchen towel is used to cover the dough while it rises.
  • Wire rack - A wire rack is used to cool the baked loaf.
  • Pastry brush - A pastry brush is used to brush the beaten egg white onto the loaf before baking.
  • Skewer - A skewer is used to test the doneness of the loaf by inserting it into the middle to see if it comes out clean.

Origin stories

Kozinjak, also known as Macedonian Easter Bread, is a traditional sweet bread cherished in Macedonia and across the Balkans, most often baked for Easter and Christmas. The magic of Kozinjak lies in its intricate braids, often three, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. It's a bread that holds within its folds the warm tales of grandmothers kneading love into the dough, the joy of family gatherings, and the celebration of faith and renewal. It's more than just a bread; it's a testament to Macedonian tradition and the way its people have woven their faith, culture, and culinary prowess into a delicious creation enjoyed generation after generation.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.