Braided Orange Wreath

Total Time

Prep: 40 min. + rising Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Oct. 15, 2022
All eyes will turn to this gorgeous braid when it is set on the table. This orange-scented bread will disappear in no time.—Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Braided Orange Wreath Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • GLAZE:
  • 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add the eggs, orange juice and zest; beat until blended. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn 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 1 hour.
  3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough into thirds. Shape each into a 30-in. rope. Braid the ropes; shape into a wreath and pinch ends to seal. Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
  4. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, orange juice and zest; drizzle over bread. Sprinkle with cranberries.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 308 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 246mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.