Traditional Czech Cinnamon Braid (Skořicový Pletenec) – Recipe
Cinnamon braid is a classic Czech dessert that fills your entire home with wonderful aroma. Thanks to authentic Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka, this braid gets a delicate, sweet flavor without the typical sharpness of cassia cinnamon. Follow this detailed guide to prepare the perfect braid that tastes just like grandma used to make.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Braid
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 80 g granulated sugar
- 21 g fresh yeast
- 250 ml warm milk
- 80 g melted butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp ground Ceylon cinnamon
- 100 g brown sugar
- 50 g softened butter (for filling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 50 g chopped walnuts (optional)
- 50 g raisins (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, pour warm milk, add crumbled yeast, one teaspoon of sugar, and let the starter rise for 10 minutes.
- Add remaining sugar, egg yolks, salt, and melted butter. Gradually add flour and knead into smooth dough. Let rise for 1-1.5 hours in a warm place.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and optionally walnuts and raisins.
- Roll the risen dough into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon mixture.
- Roll the dough lengthwise and cut lengthwise into two halves, then braid them together. Connect the ends.
- Transfer the braid to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with beaten egg, and let rest for another 15 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until the braid is golden brown.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Braid
- Use Ceylon cinnamon for a delicate, sweet flavor instead of sharp cassia cinnamon.
- Warm milk helps activate yeast - make sure it's not too hot.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for a soft and fluffy braid.
- For an even more tender braid, add a tablespoon of sour cream to the dough.
Also available in: Čeština