Easter Bread

Directions

1. 1
   ["Boil 5-6 eggs, leaving one for egg wash for bread.", "Cool completely.", "If desired, color eggs according to food-coloring package instructions.", "Eggs can be done ahead and chilled.", "Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat till instant-read thermometer reads 110-115 degrees.", "Transfer milk to a 2-cup measuring cup; stir in 1 tablespoon sugar.", "Sprinkle yeast over milk and whisk to blend.", "Let sit until yeast is foamy, about 5 minutes.", "Add 2 eggs at room temperature; whisk until smooth.", "Combine remaining 4 tablespoons sugar, flour, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.", "Add milk mixture.", "With mixer running, add 1/2 cup room temperature butter, 1 piece at a time, blending well between additions.", "Mix on medium speed for 1 minute.", "Knead on medium-high speed until dough is soft and silky, about 5 minutes.", "Brush a medium bowl with some melted butter; place dough in bowl.", "Brush top of dough with remaining melted butter; cover with plastic wrap.", "Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, 1-1 1/2 hours (or about 2 1/2 to 3 hours if made ahead and refrigerated).", "Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.", "Punch down dough.", "Divide into 2 equal pieces.", "With lightly floured hands, roll each piece on a lightly floured surface into a 16\"--long rope with tapered ends (If dough begins to bounce back