How to Make Hanukkah Star Challah - A Step-by-Step Guide

Hanukkah is a joyous and festive holiday that is celebrated by Jewish people around the world. One of the most beloved traditions of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah and enjoying delicious foods with family and friends. One of the most iconic and delicious treats of the holiday is the Hanukkah star challah, a traditional bread that is enjoyed during this special time of year.

Challah is a type of bread that is enriched with eggs and is typically braided before baking, giving it...

Read more

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 3 ⅔ cups bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, or more if desired

Information

  • Prep Time: 1 hr
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Additional Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 loaf

  • Place 1 cup of water, eggs, salt, sugar, bread flour, and yeast into the pan of a bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select the Dough setting, and start the machine.
  • When cycle is completed, remove dough from the machine, and set onto a floured work surface for 15 minutes to rest. Cover dough with a towel or large bowl to prevent drying out.
  • Knead the dough several times, and cut into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece out into a rope about 10 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay 3 ropes of bread onto the prepared baking sheet, and pinch ropes together firmly at the ends to form a pointed triangle. Weave 3 more ropes over and underneath each point of the first triangle to make a second, interwoven triangle. Pinch it closed tightly at the edges to make a 6-pointed star. Set the baking sheet in a warm place, and allow to rise until doubled, 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Whisk egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water, and brush the mixture over the loaf; sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the challah is shiny, golden brown, and sounds hollow when tapped, about 35 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    34 cal.

    • Total Fat: 2g
    • Saturated Fat: 0g
    • Cholesterol: 48mg
    • Sodium: 255mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 4g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Calcium: 15mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 23mg