Can I use hardboiled eggs instead of raw eggs?

While traditional recipes call for raw eggs that cook during baking, you can use hardboiled eggs for decoration only. Keep in mind they may discolor slightly during baking and will be overcooked. If using hardboiled, add them just for the last 5 minutes of baking time.

My dough isn't rising well. What went wrong?

The most common culprits are inactive yeast or too cool an environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and create a warm rising environment by placing the covered dough near a preheating oven or in an oven with just the light on.

Can I make this dough the night before?

Yes! After shaping the braids, cover them tightly and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and complete their rise (about 1 hour) before baking.

Are there any dairy-free alternatives I can use?

Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter alternative. The texture might be slightly different, but the bread will still be delicious.

Easter Bread Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

This delightful Easter Bread is a true celebration of spring! With its soft, pillowy texture, subtle citrus notes, and adorable presentation, it’s sure to become the centerpiece of your holiday table. What makes this bread special isn’t just its beautiful braided design and colorful eggs, but the wonderful aroma that fills your home as it bakes. Perfect for Easter morning or as a sweet treat to share with loved ones during spring gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressive yet Simple: This bread looks like it came from a professional bakery, but the braiding technique is surprisingly manageable, even for beginners.
Customizable: You can make it as colorful or as subtle as you like with different colored eggs and sprinkle combinations to match your holiday decor.
Perfect Texture: The dough creates a bread that’s soft and tender inside with a slightly sweet flavor that everyone will adore.
Family Tradition Worthy: This is one of those recipes that becomes a cherished family tradition—kids especially love helping with the colorful eggs and sprinkles!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whole Milk: Provides richness and creates that tender, soft texture that makes this bread so special.
Butter: Adds flavor and helps create that perfect consistency in the dough.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the bread; dividing it during addition helps ensure proper dough development.
Granulated Sugar: Just enough sweetness to make this bread a treat without being overpowering.
Rapid Rise Instant Yeast: The magic ingredient that helps the dough rise quickly and reliably.
Citrus Zest: Both lemon and orange zest add bright, aromatic notes that scream spring and make this bread truly special.
Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and that lovely golden color to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: That warm, complementary flavor that ties everything together.
Uncooked Colored Easter Eggs: These create the stunning visual appeal and cook during baking to be about soft-boiled when done.
Colorful Sprinkles: The festive finishing touch that makes this bread irresistible to children and adults alike.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make this Easter bread your own? Try these creative twists:

Anise Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of anise extract for a traditional Italian Easter bread flavor profile.
Almond Joy: Substitute almond extract for vanilla and sprinkle with sliced almonds instead of colorful sprinkles.
Cardamom Spiced: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dry ingredients for a Scandinavian-inspired version.
Individual Rolls: Instead of making four large rings, divide the dough into smaller portions to make individual-sized rolls, each with its own colorful egg.

How to Make Easter Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour with sugar, yeast, and both citrus zests. Warm the milk and butter in the microwave until just warm (not hot), then add this liquid along with eggs and vanilla to your dry mixture. Mix with a dough hook until you have a batter-like consistency.

Step 2: Develop the Dough

Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour while continuing to mix with the dough hook. Keep mixing until the dough is smooth and no longer sticks to the bowl. Continue kneading with the dough hook for about 8 minutes to develop the gluten structure.

Step 3: First Rest

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly by hand to form a ball. Place in a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 15 minutes. This short rest allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to shape.

Step 4: Shape the Braids

Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 11-inch rope. Take two ropes, pinch them together at one end, and braid them. Form each braid into a ring, pinching the ends together securely. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the braided rings with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until doubled in size. This patient waiting period is when the magic happens—your dough will become light and airy.

Step 6: Prepare and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the risen dough rings with egg wash, nestle an uncooked colored Easter egg in the center of each ring, and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: The milk mixture should be warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it. Think baby-bottle warm—comfortable on your wrist.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow proper rising time for the most tender, fluffy texture. The dough should visibly double in size.
Egg Placement: Press the uncooked egg gently but firmly into the dough ring—if it’s too shallow, it might pop out during baking.
Even Braiding: Try to roll your dough ropes to equal thickness for the most attractive finished bread.
Cooling Position: Transfer the baked bread to a cooling rack promptly to prevent the bottom from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Easter bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in several delicious ways:

Morning Treat

Serve slightly warm with butter and a drizzle of honey for an Easter morning treat alongside coffee or tea.

Holiday Table

Include on your Easter buffet as both decoration and a delicious bread option. The colorful rings make a stunning centerpiece.

Accompaniments

Pair with ham or lamb for Easter dinner—the subtle sweetness of the bread complements savory main dishes beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. If storing at room temperature, remove the eggs and keep them refrigerated separately.

Freezing

The bread freezes beautifully for up to three months, but remove the eggs first. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag with the air pressed out.

Reheating

To enjoy warm, microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds or wrap in foil and heat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use hardboiled eggs instead of raw eggs?

While traditional recipes call for raw eggs that cook during baking, you can use hardboiled eggs for decoration only. Keep in mind they may discolor slightly during baking and will be overcooked. If using hardboiled, add them just for the last 5 minutes of baking time.
My dough isn’t rising well. What went wrong?

The most common culprits are inactive yeast or too cool an environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and create a warm rising environment by placing the covered dough near a preheating oven or in an oven with just the light on.
Can I make this dough the night before?

Yes! After shaping the braids, cover them tightly and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and complete their rise (about 1 hour) before baking.
Are there any dairy-free alternatives I can use?

Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter alternative. The texture might be slightly different, but the bread will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Easter Bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition waiting to happen in your home. There’s something magical about the way the colorful eggs nestle into the golden braided rings, creating a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this bread brings warmth and joy to your Easter celebration. The process of making it—from mixing the fragrant dough to braiding the soft strands—is almost as rewarding as watching loved ones enjoy each delicious bite. Give it a try this Easter, and watch as it becomes one of your most requested holiday specialties!