Russian Kulich — Tall saffron-scented bread with white chocolate glaze
4
Units:
Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min
Dough
- 4½ cup bread flour
- ½ cup whole milk
- pinch of saffron threads
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅝ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 large whole eggs
- 1⅓ tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- ½ cup milk or white chocolate chips
Glaze
- 3½ oz white chocolate, melted
- decorative sprinkles
Russia's iconic Easter bread: a tall, dome-topped cylinder with an aromatic, buttery crumb tinted gold with saffron. Glazed with melted white chocolate and finished with sprinkles, kulich is traditionally served alongside paskha (a molded cheese dessert) and colored eggs.
Instructions
- Infuse milk: Warm milk with the saffron threads in a small saucepan until fragrant. Do not boil. Cool to lukewarm.
- Make sponge: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the saffron milk, yeast, one-third of the sugar, and 1 cup of the flour. Cover and rise 1 hr in a warm spot.
- Cream butter: Beat softened butter with the remaining sugar until light and creamy. Add the whole eggs, yolks, vanilla, and salt. Mix into the sponge.
- Knead: Switch to dough hook. Add the remaining 3 1/2 cups flour and knead 10-15 min on medium, finishing 5 min on high. Dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bulk rise: Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover, and rise 2-2.5 hr until doubled.
- Shape and proof: Divide dough into two tall oiled pans, filling halfway. Rise 40-60 min until dough nears the top.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 min until deep golden. Cool completely in the pans before unmolding.
- Glaze: Pour melted white chocolate over the domed tops and add sprinkles immediately.
Tips
- Saffron is traditional and gives kulich its signature color; 1/2 tsp ground cardamom is a Scandinavian-style substitute.
- Tall kulich pans are ideal; panettone molds or clean 2-lb coffee cans lined with parchment work well.
- Best eaten within 1-2 days — the rich dough dries out faster than lean breads.
Created: 4/4/2026, 11:31:31 PM diytraditional
Stand mixer with dough hook, tall kulich pans or panettone molds, small saucepan, mixing bowls