Butter Braid Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and impressive dessert that will wow your family and friends? Look no further than the butter braid recipe. This delectable pastry is made with a rich and buttery dough that is filled with a sweet filling of your choice. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to make a butter braid from scratch. So let’s get started!
What is a Butter Braid Recipe?
A butter braid is a type of pastry that originated in Northern Europe. It is similar to a Danish pastry or a cinnamon roll but with a twist. The dough is made with butter, giving it a rich and flaky texture, and it is folded and braided to create a beautiful and impressive-looking pastry. You can fill the butter braid with a variety of sweet fillings like fruit, chocolate, or nuts, making it a versatile and customizable treat.
Ingredients
To make a butter braid, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 2 and 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup of warm milk
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure the rectangle is even and smooth on all sides.
Step 4: Fill and Braid the Dough
Spread your desired filling on top of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll up the dough from the long side, jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled dough in half lengthwise, leaving about 1 inch at one end uncut. Twist the two pieces together, keeping the cut sides facing up. Then, shape the twisted dough into a circle and pinch the ends together to seal them. Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the braided dough rise for another 30 minutes while the oven is heating. Brush the dough with an egg wash made by whisking together a beaten egg and a splash of milk. This will give it a nice golden brown color as it bakes. Bake the butter braid for about 25-30 minutes or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations and Tips
– **Fruit fillings:** You can use a variety of fruit fillings for your butter braid, such as sweetened fruit preserves or pie filling. Some popular options include cherry, apple, and blueberry.
– **Chocolate and nut fillings:** For a decadent treat, try filling your butter braid with chocolate-hazelnut spread, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
– **Glaze or icing:** Once your butter braid is baked and cooled, you can drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a cream cheese icing for added sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and filling it.
Q. Can I freeze a butter braid?
Yes, you can freeze a fully baked and cooled butter braid. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable freezer bag. To thaw and serve, let it come to room temperature or warm it up in a low oven.
Q. Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour is most commonly used for butter braid dough, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as bread flour or whole wheat flour, for a different texture and flavor.
Q. Can I make mini butter braids?
Yes, you can make smaller individual butter braids by dividing the dough into smaller portions and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Making a butter braid from scratch is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth it. The buttery dough, combined with a sweet filling of your choice, creates a heavenly pastry that is sure to impress. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, the butter braid is a treat that will make any occasion special. So why not give it a try and indulge in this delectable pastry? Your taste buds will thank you!
