Raisin Brioche Knots

Raisin brioche knots are a delicious variation of the classic brioche, enriched with raisins to add a touch of sweetness and a pleasant texture. Here is the recipe to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 500 g of strong flour (for sweets)
• 200 g of raisins
• 100 g of sugar
• 100 g of soft butter
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 yolk (for brushing)
• 150 ml of lukewarm milk
• 25 g of fresh baker’s yeast
• 1 pinch of salt
• Grated zest of 1 lemon (untreated)
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by soaking the raisins in lukewarm water, or if you prefer, in rum or another liquor, to make them soft and aromatic.
2. In a bowl, dissolve the baker’s yeast in the lukewarm milk together with a teaspoon of sugar taken from the total amount.
3. Pour the flour into a large bowl or onto the mixer of your stand mixer, add the salt, grated lemon zest, and if you like the vanilla extract.
4. Add the previously beaten eggs to the center, the milk and yeast mixture, starting to knead.
5. When the dough begins to take shape, add the sugar and continue to knead until it is well absorbed.
6. Incorporate the soft butter a little at a time, kneading until you get a smooth and elastic dough.
7. At this point, squeeze the raisins well and mix them into the dough, distributing them evenly.
8. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 2 hours or until doubled in volume.
9. After the rising, take the dough and divide it into pieces of about 80 g each. Form strands and then, with a gentle movement, tie each piece to form the knots.
10. Let the knots rise again on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 30 minutes.
11. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
12. Brush the knots with a beaten yolk and, if you wish, you can sprinkle them with granulated or brown sugar.
13. Bake the knots for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden.
14. Let the knots cool on a wire rack before serving.

Curiosity

In the art of baking, knots and braided shapes have both a decorative and symbolic function, often linked to festivities and traditions. In some cultures, these knots represent union, love, and friendship.

If you don’t have raisins available or prefer another type of dried fruit, you can replace them with pieces of dried figs, apricots, or other fruit of your liking. Just use the same quantity indicated for the raisins. Happy preparation and bon appétit!