Ukrainian Christmas Bread Kolach

Celebrate the spirit of the season with Ukrainian Christmas Bread, or Kolach—an intricate braided loaf that symbolizes prosperity and unity. This traditional holiday bread boasts a rich, slightly sweet flavor, thanks to its blend of buttery dough, a hint of sugar, and a golden egg wash finish. The artful braid, formed into a wreath-like circle, adds a touch of festive elegance to your table, making it perfect for Christmas feasts or special gatherings. With its soft, fluffy texture and impressive presentation, Kolach pairs beautifully with savory dishes or a dollop of honey for a sweet treat. Whether you're honoring Ukrainian heritage or simply looking for an eye-catching bread recipe, this Kolach is sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:60 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 6 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups Milk
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 3 large Eggs
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
• 1 large Egg yolk (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

Warm the milk until slightly hot but not boiling (about 110°F/43°C). Stir in the sugar and the yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine 5 1/2 cups of flour and the salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, adding small amounts of the remaining flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 5

Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope, about 16 inches in length. Braid the three ropes together, pinching the ends to seal.

Step 6

Transfer the braid to a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming it into a circle and pinching the ends together to seal. Cover with a towel and let rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to create the egg wash. Brush the top of the braided dough with the egg wash for a golden, shiny crust.

Step 8

Bake the Kolach in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 9

Remove the bread from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1454.1 grams (1454.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4004

Total Fat 95.00g	122%
Saturated Fat 41.80g	209%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.70g
Cholesterol 899mg	300%
Sodium 3927mg	171%
Total Carbohydrate 671.50g	244%
Dietary Fiber 21.00g	75%
Total Sugars 120.10g
Protein 111.20g	222%

Vitamin D 302IU	1510%
Calcium 675mg	52%
Iron 37mg	204%
Potassium 1724mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.5%

Protein: 11.2%

Carbs: 67.4%