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Soft and Buttery Challah Bread Recipe
Youssef Hb

Soft and Buttery Challah Bread

A soft, golden-braided challah bread with a buttery crumb and rich aroma. Perfect for family meals or festive occasions, this Kosher-style recipe uses simple ingredients to achieve restaurant-quality results in under three hours.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: DESSERTS
Cuisine: Kosher
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Warm water 1½ cups
  • Active dry yeast 2 tbsp
  • Sugar ½ cup + 1 tbsp
  • Bread flour 5-6 cups
  • Butter 1 cup, softened
  • Eggs 2
  • Egg yolk 1
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Halal non-alcoholic vanilla extract 1 tbsp (optional)

Method
 

  1. Combine warm water, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast in a bowl for 5-10 minutes until foamy
  2. Add remaining sugar, eggs, yolk, butter, salt, and flour gradually, forming a soft dough
  3. Knead on floured surface 8-10 minutes until elastic
  4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1-2 hours until doubled
  5. Divide dough into three ropes, braid, and shape into traditional loaf
  6. Let proof 30-45 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F
  7. Brush with egg wash and bake 28-32 minutes until golden

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for optimal yeast activity
Reposition braided loaf onto cold lower oven rack for even browning
Internal temperature must reach 190-200°F for proper doneness
Freeze half-baked dough for ahead-of-time preparation
Imperfections in braiding are charming and rustic