1 cup milk (110°F)
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. yeast
2 Tbsp. flour

  • mix and wait for yeast to activate and bubble.

1 cup butter (2 sticks), melted
5 egg yolks, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon zest

  • stir into yeast mixture

3 1/2 cups flour
3 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

  • fold into mixture
  • knead until smooth, then rise for 90 minutes
  • punch down, roll into three strips and braid
  • form into circle on cookie sheet
  • rise for 30 minutes
  • bake for 30 minutes at 375°F
  • cool for 30 minutes before icing