Time to activate the yeast! To do this, heat milk in a small saucepan over a stovetop burner on high heat for about 30 seconds or so until the milk reaches a lukewarm temperature. The milk should be barely warm at this point.
Next, sprinkle the active dry yeast over this milk-sugar mixture. Stir it in and then set it aside in a warm place for 15 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
Let’s prepare our delicious, sweet bread dough. Start by melting butter in a bowl in the microwave or on the stovetop. Set it aside to let it cool down.
Finally, add raisins to this mixture. Now switch the dough hook attachment on your stand mixer. Add 1 cup of flour at a time until 6 cups of flour have been incorporated.
Continue mixing until the dough comes together and feels smooth and elastic, or until it stops sticking to the side of the bowl. This should take approximately 15 minutes.
Braid them into a nice and even braid as is shown in the picture (I have video instructions on my Instagram account under the Easter Bread bubble on how to make and braid this bread).
Make and Brush On the Egg Wash:
Using a hand whisk, whisk egg, and milk together until it’s well mixed.
Brush the egg wash generously over the top of the easter bread challah.