Description
Tsoureki is a traditional Greek Easter bread that's soft, slightly sweet, and flavored with Mediterranean spices like mahlepi, mastic, and orange zest. Braided and often decorated with red-dyed eggs, it’s both beautiful and symbolic.
Ingredients
1 cup warm milk (~110°F / 43°C)
2¼ tsp active dry yeast
½ cup sugar
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 large eggs + 1 yolk (save the white for egg wash)
Zest of 1 orange (optional but traditional)
1 tsp ground mahlepi
¼ tsp ground mastic (or omit if unavailable)
½ tsp salt
4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour
1 egg white + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds or slivered almonds (optional)
Red-dyed hard-boiled eggs (optional, symbolic)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, yolk, remaining sugar, melted butter, orange zest, mahlepi, mastic, and salt. Add the yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix in flour until a sticky dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 2 or 3 parts. Roll each into ropes and braid them. If using, press red eggs into the braid.
- Place braided loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise for 45–60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush loaves with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or almonds if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, tenting with foil if browning too fast. Bread is done when golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
Notes
Filled Tsoureki variation: Add Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or nuts inside strands before braiding.
Cardamom or vanilla extract can substitute for mahlepi or mastic.
Mini braids are great for gifting or serving individually.
Store wrapped at room temp for 3–4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Reheat slices in oven or toaster oven to soften and toast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
