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A golden, braided Scottish Yule Loaf resting in a round dish, paired with a "Merry Christmas" sign and seasonal decor.

Yule Loaf

Stephanie | Gathered In The Kitchen
A beautifully braided Scottish Yule Loaf sweetened with honey and topped with caraway seeds, symbolizing warmth and tradition. Hidden inside is a ceramic Scottie dog trinket bringing good luck to the finder!
5 from 5 vote
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine Scottish
Servings 1 loaf

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • 2 tbs honey
  • 1 pkg dry active yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 c warm water (body temperature water)
  • 1 tsp water
  • 1 egg
  • 2 1/3 c all-purpose flour
  • 1 c whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp caraway seeds
  • cooking spray

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp water

Instructions
 

Dough

  • Dissolve honey and yeast in 1 cup warm water in a bowl; let stand 5 minutes
  • In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg and 1 tsp water. Stir into yeast mixture
  • In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • Mix yeast mixture into flour mixture and combine to form a soft dough
  • Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes)

Dough Rising

  • Place the dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.)
  • Punch the dough down; cover and let rest for 5 minutes
  • Divide dough in three. Working with one portion at a time, roll each portion into a 12-inch rope on a lightly floured surface.  Hide the Scottie Dog trinket in one of the ropes. Plait ropes together (similar to a braid), and pinch ends to seal in a circle
  • Place dough in an 8-inch pie dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size

Baking

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Uncover dough. Brush egg wash mixture over loaf, and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until loaf is browned on bottom and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack
  • Serve and enjoy! ***Remember to be careful when eating, do not eat the ceramic Scottie Dog trinket
Keyword christmas recipes
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