Cinnamon Braid Bread - Estonian Kringle

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option with similar texture.

ground cardamom

🥗Healthier: ground cinnamon

💰Cheaper: mixed spice

Ground cinnamon is more accessible and adds a warm flavor.

chopped nuts

🥗Healthier: seeds

💰Cheaper: oats

Seeds provide crunch and are nut-free for allergies.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: sultanas

Dried cranberries add tartness and are often less expensive.

Activate yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.

Mix flour, sugar, salt, and cardamom in a large bowl.

Add melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.

Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 8-10 minutes.

Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, nuts, and raisins.

Roll the dough tightly into a log, then shape it into a circle or figure-eight.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Brush the dough with egg wash before baking.

Bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens