Couronne De Noël recipe: A sure-fire baking treat to wow the family this Christmas

If you really want to impress your friends and family this Christmas, then why not give The Couronne De Noël a whirl?

An edible Christmas wreath with a round, soft brioche base, the pretty pastry is topped with candied fruits and worked into a festive star shape. Finish with sugar crystals.

Ingredients:
60ml milk
15g fresh yeast
60g bread flour            
3 eggs
240g bread flour          
15g sugar                    
(3⁄4 tsp) 4g salt                       
210g butter, softened

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Method

:
1. Scald milk to the point below boiling and cool until lukewarm. Dissolve yeast. Add flour and mix to make a sponge texture. Leave to rise until mixture doubles in size.

2. Gradually mix in eggs and then the dry ingredients to make a soft dough. A small mixer with a dough hook can also be used to mix.

3. Beat in butter a little at a time until it is completely absorbed and the dough is smooth. Dough should become very soft and sticky.

Fermentation:

It will be easier to handle the dough if you put it in a bowl, cover and place into a refrigerator overnight.

4. The next day, once you have removed the bowl from the fridge, divide the dough into two.

5. Mould into doughnut shape and place onto a tray either lined with silicone paper or lightly greased. Lightly egg wash after proofing.

7. Bake at 180°C  for 20 min until the brioche is golden in colour.

To finish, topped with candied fruits in a festive star shape and finished with crunchy pieces of sugar crystals.

The Couronne De Noël is part of PAUL's Christmas range, which is based around French tradition and artisanal methods. PAUL's festive food includes a range of indulgent French delicacies, which will make the perfect accompaniment to any festive meal, or a great gift for a loved one. You can purchase all of PAUL's Christmas range at any of its 31 shops across London. For more information visit the website at www.paul-uk.com.