Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici

Celebrate the Day of the Holy Martyrs every March 9th with a traditional Romanian delicacy, Mucenici. This recipe showcases the art of making exquisite sweet bread, a testament to my passion for leavened dough. These Mucenici are not only a feast for the eyes but have been perfected to win over family and guests alike, disappearing swiftly after serving.

Yield: 12-15 pieces. For traditional alms-giving of 40 pieces, adjust quantities accordingly.

Ingredients
White flour
700 g
start with 500g, add more as needed, varying by flour type
Active dry yeast(Instant Dr.Oetker)
10 g
or 25g fresh yeast
Milk
125 ml
warm
Sugar
150 g
Egg
1 piece
plus 1 yolk for glazing
Butter
80 g
use oil for vegan version
Salt
1 tsp
Honey
2 tbsp
Chopped walnuts
100 g
or ground
Water
125 ml
combine with milk
Step by step
Step 1

Bread Machine Dough: Begin by adding warm milk and water to the machine. Follow with melted butter.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 1
Step 2

Mix in eggs and sugar.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 2
Step 3

Add dry yeast.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 3
Step 4

Lastly, incorporate flour and salt. Use the dough setting and let the machine work its magic.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 4
Step 5

Observe the dough during its kneading phase.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 5
Step 6

Manually grind walnuts while the dough rises.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 6
Step 7

Admire the well-risen dough (picture-taking step omitted).

Manual Dough: Combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Mix in egg, butter, milk, and water. Knead into an elastic dough for 25-30 minutes. Allow to rise for 1 hour under a towel.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 7
Step 8

Begin forming mucenici by lightly kneading the dough on a floured surface.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 8
Step 9

Divide into 12-15 pieces, adjusting size as preferred.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 9
Step 10

Roll each piece into a long, thin shape. For a tighter braid, twist the ends firmly before braiding.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 10
Step 11

Braid the roll.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 11
Step 12

Loop the ends to form a coil.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 12
Step 13

Shape the coil into a figure-8.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 13
Step 14

Place in a baking tray and let rise for 1 hour in a warm area.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 14
Step 15

Brush with an egg yolk and 3 tbs milk mixture, then bake at 180-200°C until golden.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 15
Step 16

Syrup (optional) hot Mucenici, then glaze with honey.

For the syrup you will need 300ml water + 150g sugar + vanilla and rum aromas (boil and leave to cool) + grated lemon peel (add to the cooled syrup).

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 16
Step 17

Generously top with walnuts. Enjoy warm or cold, with your favorite beverage.

A delightful treat perfect for any occasion, these Mucenici pair wonderfully with any drink, offering a blend of sweetness and tradition.

Romanian Sweet Bread - Mucenici - Step 17
Quantity: 15 pcs ()
Prep time:
60 min
Difficulty: intermediate
Ready in: 120 min