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A braided ring of golden Italian Easter Bread decorated with colorful dyed eggs and rainbow sprinkles.
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Italian Easter Bread

Prep Time2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420kcal

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups all -purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sal t
  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 0.66 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large eg g
  • 0.5 teaspoon anise extract
  • 3 raw dyed easter eggs
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon rainbow nonpareil sprinkles

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  • Heat milk and butter in a small saucepan until warm (120-130°F).
  • Add the warm milk mixture, 1 egg, and anise extract to the flour mixture and beat until smooth.
  • Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
  • Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, approximately 1 hour.
  • Punch dough down and divide into two equal pieces; roll each into a 24-inch long rope.
  • Twist the two ropes together and form a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, joining the ends securely.
  • Tuck the dyed raw eggs into the braids of the dough ring.
  • Cover and let rise until doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Brush dough with egg wash and top with rainbow sprinkles.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
  • Cool on a wire rack before serving.