Cougnou
Saint Nicholas Bread
Cougnou, also known as 'Bread of Jesus', is a sweet, brioche-like bread traditionally enjoyed in Belgium and Northern France, especially around Saint Nicholas Day and Christmas. It's often shaped into a swaddled baby Jesus figure and can be enriched with raisins, pearl sugar, or chocolate chips.
🧂 Ingredients
- 520 g All-purpose flour
- 40 g Fresh baker's yeast
- 100 ml Milk, lukewarm
- 150 ml Water, lukewarm
- 100 g Fine sugar
- 80 g Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1 large Columbus egg (or large egg)(plus 1 yolk for gilding)
- 80 g Raisins(optional)
- 100 g Pearl sugar(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in the lukewarm milk and water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, fine sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
- 3
Pour the yeast mixture and the beaten egg into the well. Gradually mix the ingredients together, then add the softened butter.
- 4
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- 5
Gently punch down the dough. If using, knead in the raisins and/or pearl sugar. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
- 6
Shape each portion into the traditional cougnou shape (often resembling a swaddled baby Jesus) or into simple rolls. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 7
Cover the shaped dough loosely with a clean towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until it has visibly increased in size.
- 8
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- 9
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a little milk. Brush this mixture over the top of the cougnous for a golden glaze.
- 10
Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- ✓If pearl sugar is unavailable, you can use coarse sugar cubes, crushed.
- ✓For a richer flavor, some recipes suggest using a combination of milk and water for the liquid.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add chocolate chips to the dough along with or instead of raisins.
- Shape the dough into simple bread rolls if the traditional shape is too challenging.