Estonian kringel is a beautifully braided sweet bread with a soft, buttery texture and a rich cinnamon-sugar filling. This traditional treat is perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or festive occasions. The twisted wreath shape gives it an elegant appearance, making it a centerpiece-worthy bake!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 250 ml milk (lukewarm)
- 2 egg yolks
- 50 g melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 600 g plain flour
- 1 cube yeast
For the filling:
- 10 tablespoons semolina sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 100 g softened butter
Procedure
1. Prepare the dough:
Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for a few minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the egg yolks, melted butter, and yeast mixture, then knead into a soft, elastic dough. Cover and let it rise for about an hour in a warm place.
2. Make the filling:
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
3. Roll and shape the kringel:
Divide the risen dough into two equal halves. Roll each half into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Spread half of the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Twist the dough:
Roll up the dough tightly like a roulade. Using a sharp knife, cut it lengthwise in half. Carefully twist the two strands together, keeping the cut sides facing outward to showcase the layers. Form a wreath shape and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Let it rise and bake:
Cover the kringel and let it rise for another 15–20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F). Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
Final Tip
For extra flavor, brush the freshly baked kringel with a mixture of melted butter and honey or dust with powdered sugar. You can also add raisins, chopped nuts, or cardamom to the filling for a delicious twist!🥐✨
