Cozonac exactly how Bunica used to make! #cozonac #babka #homemade #bread #balkan

Warm milk in a small saucepan until lukewarm, then dissolve yeast and a pinch of sugar in it.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt, then create a well in the center.

Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture into the well of the flour mixture.

Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing cocoa powder, ground walnuts, sugar, and orange zest in a bowl.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal pieces.

Roll out each piece into a rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread the filling evenly over each rectangle of dough.

Roll each rectangle tightly into a log, then twist the two logs together to form a braid.

Place the braided dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the cozonac for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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