Bread Machine Easter Bread Recipe – slightly sweetened dough made in the bread machine and then shaped into a traditional Italian Easter Bread Recipe stuffed with dyed eggs.
Place all the ingredients for the dough inside the bread machine in the order they are listed.
Turn the bread machine on to the dough only cycle.
After the cycle is completed, remove the dough and place on a lightly floured surface.
Knead the dough just a few times to get it into the shape of a large round ball.
Divide the dough into three pieces. Then form each piece into a long ropes and start braiding them. Make sure you tuck both ends under when the braid is done.
Place“temporary eggs” or aluminum foil to place in the bread rings while the dough rises. Cover the dough with a clean dish cloth and allow it to rise for another hour or until it’s doubled in size.
While the bread is rising, dye the hard boiled eggs. I used a traditional box of egg dye, but you can dye your eggs naturally if you prefer. Set aside to dry completely while the bread bakes.
After the dough has doubled in size, brush the loaf with an egg wash of one beaten egg and 2 teaspoons water.
Bake in a preheated 350°F degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Gently remove the aluminum foil from the baked loaf of bread and gently add the dyed eggs into the spaces where the aluminum foil was.
Combine the ingredients for the glaze together in a small bowl. Drizzle the glaze on top of the baked bread trying not to get it on the eggs.
Add the sprinkles on top of the glaze.
Notes
Check the dough early in the cycle: About 5–10 minutes into the kneading process, open the lid and check the dough. It should form a smooth, slightly tacky ball.
Too dry/crumbly? Add 1 tablespoon of warm milk at a time.
Too wet/sticky? Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour at a time.
Glaze: If you don't like the flavor of almond extract, you can substitute vanilla extract. The glaze dries quickly, so be quick when adding the sprinkles.