Discover the perfect Cozonac recipe, a traditional sweet bread filled with nuts, cocoa, and dried fruits. This delectable treat is often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. Follow our step-by-step guide to make this delicious, aromatic bread that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup milk, warmed

- 1/2 cup butter, softened

- 3 large eggs

- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)

- 1/4 cup warm water

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1/2 cup cocoa powder

- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts)

- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, apricots, and cranberries)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add yeast mixture, warm milk, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.

  - Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

  - In a bowl, mix cocoa powder, chopped nuts, and dried fruits.

Shape and Fill:

  - Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part into a rectangle on a floured surface.

  - Evenly spread the cocoa-nut-fruit mixture over the dough rectangles.

  - Roll each rectangle tightly into a log shape.

Form the Loaves:

  - Place the rolled logs into greased loaf pans. Cover and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Bake:

  - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

  - Allow the Cozonac to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Perfect for festive gatherings, Cozonac offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will make your holidays even more special.

Nutritional Values

All-Purpose Flour (4 cups)

  - Calories: Approximately 1,140

  - Carbohydrates: 240 g

  - Protein: 30 g

  - Fat: 3 g

Benefits:

  - Provides structure and texture to baked goods.

  - Contains B vitamins and iron.

Sugar (1 cup)

  - Calories: Approximately 775

  - Carbohydrates: 200 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Adds sweetness and enhances flavor.

  - Provides quick energy.

Milk (1/2 cup, warmed)

  - Calories: Approximately 75

  - Carbohydrates: 6 g

  - Protein: 4 g

  - Fat: 4 g

Benefits:

  - Adds moisture and richness.

  - Provides calcium, vitamin D, and protein.

Butter (1/2 cup, softened)

  - Calories: Approximately 810

  - Fat: 92 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 1 g

Benefits:

  - Adds richness and a tender texture.

  - Provides vitamin A and essential fatty acids.

Eggs (3 large)

  - Calories: Approximately 210

  - Protein: 18 g

  - Fat: 15 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

Benefits:

  - Binds ingredients together and adds richness.

  - Provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Active Dry Yeast (1 packet, 2 1/4 tsp)

  - Calories: Approximately 20

  - Carbohydrates: 2 g

  - Protein: 2 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Helps the dough rise and develop texture.

  - Contains B vitamins and minerals.

Warm Water (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Activates the yeast and helps with dough consistency.

Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)

  - Calories: Approximately 12

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor and aroma to the dough.

Salt (1/2 tsp)

  - Sodium: Approximately 1,150 mg

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

  - Use in moderation due to high sodium content.

Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup)

  - Calories: Approximately 50

  - Carbohydrates: 12 g

  - Protein: 4 g

  - Fat: 1 g

Benefits:

  - Adds rich chocolate flavor.

  - Contains antioxidants and minerals like iron and magnesium.

Chopped Nuts (1 cup, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts)

  - Calories: Approximately 800

  - Fat: 70 g

  - Carbohydrates: 25 g

  - Protein: 20 g

Benefits:

  - Adds crunch and nutritional value.

  - Provides healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Mixed Dried Fruits (1 cup, raisins, apricots, and cranberries)

  - Calories: Approximately 400

  - Carbohydrates: 100 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 1 g

Benefits:

  - Adds natural sweetness and texture.

  - Provides fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.