Easter Bread

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, 2 beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the dough
   Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the bread
   Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 16 inches long. Place the ropes side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch the ends together at one end and loosely braid the ropes. Form the braid into a wreath shape and pinch the ends together to seal.
4. Add the eggs
   Gently press the dyed hard-boiled eggs into the dough at evenly spaced intervals around the wreath. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 45 minutes, or until puffy.
5. Prepare for baking
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Gently brush the egg wash over the bread, being careful not to brush the colored eggs. Sprinkle the bread with colorful sprinkles.
6. Bake the bread
   Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the bread is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.