Chai Tea Challah Bread

103

By Amy Kritzer

Prep Time:

30m

Bake/Cook Time:

25m - 30m

Yield:

1 challah

Plan for:

Rise time 3 + 1 hours

Challah bread is a rich egg bread traditional at Jewish holidays. This chai version infuses cardamom, cloves and other spices, making it reminiscent of the spicy hot tea.

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Products Used

Extra Fine Granulated Pure Cane Sugar Bag

Ingredients

3/4 cup warm water (about 100 degrees)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/3 cup + 1 teaspoon divided Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
1 black tea bag
2 3/4-3 cups all-purpose flour*
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for coating the bowl
1 large egg, whisked
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
1 egg, whisked
2 tablespoons Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

*Spoon & Sweep method: Use a spoon to fill measuring cup with flour until required amount is obtained. Scooping measuring cup directly into flour bag will firmly pack flour resulting in too much flour required for recipe.

Directions

In a large bowl, add yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar to water, stir and let foam. Add tea bag and let sit for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl whisk together 2 3/4 cups flour, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves and salt.
Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, egg, remaining sugar and vanilla to yeast mixture and combine. Then add in flour mixture and form into a ball. Knead for 10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer. Add more flour if dough is sticky.
Place dough ball in a bowl coated with oil and cover bowl and let dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 3 hours.
Once dough has doubled, punch down and divide into three equal balls. Roll out into strands and braid. Place challah on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and let rise for another hour until double again.
Mix together sugar and cinnamon for topping. While the dough is rising, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Carefully brush egg over challah and then sprinkle liberally with cinnamon sugar topping. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Dixie Crystals Insight

Recipe developed for Dixie Crystals by Amy Kritzer @whatjewwannaeat.

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