Braided Nutella Bread

     I love Nutella and if you know me, you know how much I love braids! This bread recipe is pretty easy and the dough is really easy to work with. Perfect for breakfast with coffee or a simple dessert. The braiding may take some practice, but it's definitely worth the effort for presentation. 

Braided Nutella Bread

Ingredients:

- 1/2 teaspoon of active dry yeast

- 1 cup of water

- 2 and 1/2 cups of flour

- 1 tablespoon of sugar

- 1 teaspoon of salt

- 1/2 cup of Nutella

- cornmeal for dusting

- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water

    In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup warm water. Let sit for about 10 minutes to let the yeast activate. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast and remaining water. Mix on low with the dough hook attachment. Turn speed up to medium and knead the dough for about 7 minutes. Cover the bowl, set it in a warm place, and let it rise for about an hour. Lightly dust your working surface with cornmeal. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 12"x 15". Pop the Nutella in the microwave for 30 seconds and then spread it over the flat rectangle of dough, leaving 1/2 inch border around the outside without. Roll the dough tightly into a loaf. Cut the loaf almost in half, leave one end intact . Twist the halves over each other, facing the Nutella side up. Lightly cover and let sit for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush the furface of the dough with the eggwash. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn the oven up to 425 degrees and bake for 4 more minutes. Keep an eye on it those last few minutes! Slice and enjoy!