Description
A foolproof, budget-friendly round challah bread infused with honey and golden raisins, designed for Rosh Hashanah and perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) Active Dry Yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) Warm Water (110°F)
- ¼ cup (85g) Honey
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) Vegetable Oil
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 4 to 4 ½ cups (500-560g) All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons Salt
- 1 cup (150g) Golden Raisins
- 1 Egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, honey, and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and stir gently. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add yeast mixture, then add flour and salt. Mix until combined (use a dough hook on low speed for 8-10 minutes if using a mixer).
- Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, passing the windowpane test.
- Add raisins: Knead golden raisins into the dough for 1-2 minutes until evenly distributed.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Shape the loaf: Punch down dough, shape into a round loaf, and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Score a shallow circle around the top edge.
- Second rise: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool: Let cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Ensure yeast is fresh and bubbles during activation. Do not over-flour the dough; it should be tacky, not sticky. Golden raisins are preferred for sweetness and texture. The bread freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of loaf
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: Rosh Hashanah, Challah, Holiday Bread, Round Challah, Honey Raisin Bread, Budget Friendly, Easy Bread Recipe, Jewish Holiday