Easter Egg Bread

Total Time

Prep: 55 min. + rising Bake: 25 min.

Makes

1 loaf (16 pieces)

Updated: Jul. 08, 2023
I've made this Easter treat for 20 years! Colored hard-boiled eggs baked in the dough give this sweet bread such a festive look. Leave them out and it can be enjoyed any time of year. My husband especially enjoys this bread with baked ham. —Heather Durante, Wellsburg, West Virginia

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 6 tablespoons butter, cubed
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 to 6 hard-boiled large eggs, unpeeled
  • Assorted food coloring
  • Canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
  • 1 large egg yolk

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix sugar, yeast, cardamom, salt and 2 cups flour. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Add 3 eggs; beat on high 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  2. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, dye hard-boiled eggs with food coloring following package directions. Let stand until completely dry.
  4. Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll each portion into a 24-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid. Bring ends together to form a ring. Pinch ends to seal. Lightly coat dyed eggs with oil; arrange on braid, tucking them carefully between ropes.
  5. Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°.
  6. In a bowl, whisk egg yolk and cream; gently brush over dough, avoiding eggs. Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 281 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.