Nothing quite signifies the holiday season like the warm aroma of baking in the air! Danish Christmas baking is renowned for its rich flavors and comforting treats that bring families together. Today, we are going to dive into the world of Danish baking with a delightful recipe for Safrankringle – a saffron braid that is a staple during the festive season in Denmark. This heavenly sweet bread is perfect for serving at breakfast or as a tasty snack to accompany your afternoon cup of tea. Let’s get started on creating this delectable Danish Christmas treat!
Safrankringle Saffron Braid
Ingredients:
– 1 envelope of active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it is warm to the touch, then remove it from the heat. Add the sugar, butter, saffron threads, and salt. Stir until the butter has melted and the saffron has infused into the milk mixture.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and yeast mixture. Pour in the warm saffron milk and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Punch down the risen dough and knead in the raisins and chopped almonds until they are evenly distributed.
7. Divide the dough into three equal parts and roll each part into a long rope. Braid the ropes together and shape them into a ring, connecting the ends to form a circle.
8. Transfer the saffron braid to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top of the braid with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
9. Bake the Safrankringle in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is beautifully golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Remove the saffron braid from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy the rich flavors of saffron, almonds, and raisins in every bite of this traditional Danish Christmas treat!
The Safrankringle Saffron Braid is a wonderful addition to your holiday baking repertoire, bringing a taste of Denmark’s Christmas traditions to your home. Serve this aromatic and flavorful bread to your loved ones and watch their faces light up with joy. Happy baking and happy holidays!
