St. Patrick’s Day Easter Bread 🍀🥚🍞
A soft, slightly sweet festive bread perfect for celebrating both St. Patrick’s Day and Easter with a touch of springtime charm!
Ingredients:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
½ tsp salt
Optional (for decoration):
Green food coloring (for a festive St. Paddy’s twist)
Colored sprinkles
Powdered sugar for dusting
Dyed Easter eggs (uncooked, if you want to bake them into the braid)
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. If using green food coloring, add a few drops now and knead to incorporate evenly.
Knead:
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Bread:
Punch down the dough. Divide into 3 equal pieces, roll into ropes, and braid. Tuck ends under and form a ring or leave as a loaf.
Second Rise:
Place the braid on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise another 30–45 minutes.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool & Decorate:
Let cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing and decorate with festive sprinkles or place dyed Easter eggs in the braid.
Soft, warm, and just a little sweet—this bread is a festive addition to your holiday table! ☘️🌸🥚