Easter Egg Bread Dolls- Traditional Indian Sweet Bread Recipe

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easter Egg Bread Dolls – Traditional Indian Sweet Bread Recipe

Hey everyone! If you grew up in an Indian household, especially one with Christian roots, chances are you’ve seen (or maybe even been gifted!) these adorable Easter Egg Bread Dolls. They’re a sweet, slightly nostalgic treat that always brings back memories of colorful Easter celebrations and the delicious aromas wafting from my grandmother’s kitchen. I first made these myself when I was trying to recreate those childhood memories, and honestly, it’s become a yearly tradition ever since. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just bread; they’re edible works of art! Easter Egg Bread Dolls are a delightful blend of sweet bread and a beautifully decorated hard-boiled egg. They’re a fun activity to make with family, and the end result is a truly unique and festive treat. Plus, the soft, slightly sweet bread is so good.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these charming bread dolls:

• 1 cup whole milk (240ml)
• ¼ pack SAF Gold yeast (approx. 7g)
• 1 large beaten egg
• ½ cup sugar (100g)
• ½ cup butter, softened (113g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5g)
• 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour (420-480g)
• 1 orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
• 3 hard-boiled dyed eggs
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things make this recipe special:

• SAF Gold Yeast: This instant yeast is a game-changer. It activates quickly and gives a lovely, consistent rise. You can find it at most baking supply stores or online. If you’re using active dry yeast, you’ll need to proof it in warm water with a little sugar first.
• Orange Zest: Don’t skip this! The orange zest adds a beautiful brightness and subtle citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread. A little zest goes a long way.
• Dyed Eggs: Dyeing eggs for Easter isn’t just a Western tradition in India. It’s become a beloved part of our Easter celebrations too, adding a vibrant splash of color to the festivities. We usually use bright, cheerful colors!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Activate the Yeast: Gently warm the milk – you don’t want it hot, just lukewarm. Mix it with the SAF Gold yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the beaten egg, sugar, softened butter, salt, and the yeast mixture. Mix well.
3. Add the Flour: Gradually add the flour, about a cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You might not need all the flour, so add it slowly.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size – about 1-1.5 hours.
5. Shape the Dolls: Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch (30cm) rope.
6. Braid and Swaddle: Take two ropes and lay them side-by-side, crossing them in the middle to form a “T” shape (the crossbar and stem). Gently place a dyed egg at the intersection of the ropes. Now, carefully braid the dough around the egg, swaddling it like a little baby. Make sure the egg’s “face” peeks through! Pinch the ends of the dough to seal everything in.
7. Second Rise & Egg Wash: Place the bread dolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 15 minutes. Then, brush them gently with a beaten egg – this will give them a beautiful golden shine.
8. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool completely before decorating.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overwork the dough! Overworking can make it tough.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of melted butter to the egg wash.

Variations

• Cardamom Spice: My aunt always adds a teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dough for a warm, fragrant twist. It’s delicious.
• Chocolate Chip: For a fun treat, add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough.
• Nutty Delight: Mix in ¼ cup of chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts work well) for added texture and flavor.

Vegan Adaptation

To make these bread dolls vegan, substitute the milk with plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk), use a vegan butter substitute, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Gluten-Free Adaptation

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb more moisture.

Spice Level

As mentioned, cardamom is a lovely addition! You could also experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Festival Adaptations

These are traditionally made for Easter, but they’re also a lovely treat for Good Friday celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

These are best enjoyed fresh, but they’re also great with a cup of tea or coffee. They make a beautiful centerpiece for your Easter table!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover bread dolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month.

FAQs

What is the significance of Easter Egg Bread Dolls in Indian culture?

While not a traditional Indian recipe, they’ve become a cherished part of Easter celebrations in many Indian Christian families, blending cultural traditions beautifully.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping.

What type of food coloring is best for dyeing the eggs?

Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors.

Can I use a different type of yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first.

How can I prevent the dough from cracking while braiding?

Keep the dough well-moisturized and work gently. If it starts to crack, lightly brush it with water.

What is the best way to draw faces on the eggs?

Use food-safe markers designed for decorating eggs.

Is it possible to freeze these bread dolls?

Yes, you can freeze them, but the texture of the bread might change slightly.