Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.

2. Add 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 3 beaten eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix well.

3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

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

6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead in the raisins and ground cinnamon until well incorporated.

7. Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a loaf. Place the loaves into greased loaf pans.

8. Cover the pans with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes.

9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

10. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to create an egg wash.

11. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the loaves.

12. Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

13. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.