Description
Italian Easter Bread is a delightful, anise-flavored, sweet bread that is perfect for celebrating Easter with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- divided
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (.25 ounce) package rapid rise yeast
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon anise extract
- 2 tablespoons butter at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg beaten
- ½ tablespoon colored candy decorating dragees
- or as desired
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
- Warm the milk and add it to the dry ingredients along with anise extract, butter, and eggs. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour and knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a braid. Place on a greased baking sheet.
- Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with colored candy dragees.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of anise extract to suit your taste. This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a few days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
Keywords: Italian Easter Bread, Anise-Flavored, Easter bread recipe, sweet bread, holiday baking