Name: Braided Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 14 Slices
Cuisine: American

Jule’s Menu Verified

February 13, 2026

This recipe guarantees you’ll bake a perfectly soft and fluffy braided yeast bread at home. Wonderfully moist and tender, it’s ideal for brunch, afternoon coffee, or as a cozy sweet treat. The braid is finished with an egg‑milk glaze and can be topped with almond flakes or pearl sugar for extra charm.

From the Cook

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Braided Bread

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 4 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Put the milk and a teaspoon of sugar into a bowl. Crumble in the yeast and stir until dissolved.

Place the flour and remaining sugar in a mixing bowl. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture while stirring. Add the butter, egg, and a pinch of salt, and briefly mix until everything is combined into a dough. Now knead the dough vigorously for at least 10 minutes, either by hand or in a stand mixer.

Form the dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for one hour, until it has doubled in volume.

Place the dough on the work surface, knead briefly, and then divide it into three equal (or equally heavy) pieces. Shape the dough pieces into evenly thin strands, approximately 45 to 50 centimeters long, using the palms of your hands.

Place strands of dough side by side on the work surface, about 5 centimeters apart, and braid them together. Carefully place the braid on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise, covered, for another 20 to 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) convection. Whisk the egg yolk with the milk and brush the mixture over the surface of the braided yeast bread. (Optionally, you can now sprinkle almond flakes or pearl sugar on top.)

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake the braided yeast bread for 20 minutes, until it is golden brown on the outside. Do the toothpick test before removing the bread from the oven and letting it cool.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Yeast Activation Secret 🍞
Always proof your fresh yeast in lukewarm milk (around 110°F) with a pinch of sugar to ensure it's alive and active before adding to the dough.
Braiding Technique Mastery 🧶
When braiding, start from the center and work outwards, keeping consistent tension to create an even, professional-looking braid that rises uniformly.
Butter Temperature Precision 🧈
Ensure your butter is truly soft but not melted - it should be at room temperature and easily spreadable to integrate smoothly into the dough without creating greasy pockets.
Egg Wash Perfection 🥚
For a glossy, golden-brown finish, mix your egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk and brush twice - once before proofing and again just before baking for maximum sheen.
Proofing Environment Control 🌡️
Create an ideal proofing environment by placing your covered dough in a warm, draft-free area around 80-85°F, such as near (but not on) a preheating oven.

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About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.