Hefezopf (Yeast Braid)

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve sugar and yeast in the lukewarm milk.
2. 2
   Mix flour and salt in a big bowl of a hand or stand mixer and stir in the milk mixture.
3. 3
   Add the egg and let the mixer do it's thing until most of the ingredients are roughly combined.
4. 4
   Add the soft butter and knead for 8-10 minutes. Make sure the butter is fully absorbed and evenly distributed. The dough should be smooth and come away from the sides of the bowl.
5. 5
   Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 45 minutes (I have done anything from 30 to 60 minutes).
6. 6
   Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.
7. 7
   Divide the dough into three equal pieces (or two or four depending on your braiding technique), and braid the dough.
8. 8
   Place the braid on the prepared baking tray, cover it and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
9. 9
   In the last 15 minutes of the raise, preheat the oven to 350F/180C.
10. 10
    Brush the braid with buttermilk or egg wash, decorate with sesame (or coarse sugar or other seeds), and bake for 25 minutes.
11. 11
    Have a warm piece with some cultured, salted butter.