Cozonac Recipe - Holiday Sweet Bread | CulinaryCreationss

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 4 ½ cups (540g) best flour for homemade bread (high-protein white flour bread or bread flour), plus extra for dusting
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 105-115°F (40-46°C)
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (one standard packet)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but highly recommended for flavor)
• For the Walnut & Rum Filling:
• 2 cups (200g) walnuts, finely ground
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons rum (dark or light), or rum extract for non-alcoholic
• ½ cup (75g) mixed dried fruits (e.g., raisins, candied orange peel, chopped apricots), soaked in warm water or rum for 15 minutes, then drained
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon whole milk