Rosh Hashana Challah and Bread Recipes
There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread — especially when it’s golden, braided, and glistening with honey. Every year, as Rosh Hashana approaches, my kitchen transforms into a cozy bakery filled with the aroma of sweet challah, apples, and cinnamon. Baking Rosh Hashana Challah and Bread Recipes isn’t just about food — it’s a celebration of renewal, blessings, and tradition.
If you’ve ever admired those beautifully round loaves that symbolize the cyclical nature of the year, this post is for you. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, I’ll walk you through everything you need to make perfect, soft, golden challah (and a few creative bread variations) that will make your holiday table shine.
🕊️ The Story Behind Rosh Hashana Bread
Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, is a time of reflection, joy, and sweet beginnings. Traditionally, we bake round challah loaves instead of the usual braided ones — representing the eternal circle of life. Many add honey, apples, or raisins to the dough for extra sweetness, wishing for a sweet year ahead.
When I baked my first Rosh Hashana challah years ago, it came out slightly lopsided — but my family devoured it with smiles anyway. Since then, I’ve experimented with flavors, shapes, and techniques, discovering that each loaf carries its own story and charm. This recipe has become my go-to — tender, golden, slightly sweet, and perfect with a drizzle of honey butter.
🥣 Ingredients
Classic Sweet Challah Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ⅓ cup honey (or sugar)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk (for richness)
- 1½ tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins for Rosh Hashana Twist
- ½ cup golden raisins or chopped dried apricots
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 small grated apple (for extra sweetness)
Egg Wash & Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for glaze)
- Poppy or sesame seeds (optional)
Substitution Ideas
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce and use plant-based milk for brushing.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for bread baking.
- Sugar-Free Option: Swap honey for monk fruit syrup or agave.
- Extra Rich Version: Use milk instead of water for a softer crumb.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, a teaspoon of honey, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast might be old — start fresh.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, honey, oil, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
If adding raisins or apples, gently knead them in during the last minute.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1½–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Challah
For Rosh Hashana, we make the challah round to represent the year’s cycle.
Here are three shaping ideas:
- Coil Method: Roll the dough into a long rope and spiral it into a circle.
- Braided Round: Braid as usual, then twist the braid into a circle and tuck the ends underneath.
- Pull-Apart Style: Roll small balls of dough and arrange them in a greased round pan — perfect for tearing and sharing!
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover lightly and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the challah with beaten egg (for golden shine) and drizzle lightly with honey if desired.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until deeply golden and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Let it cool slightly before brushing with a mixture of honey and warm water for that glossy holiday sheen.
✨ Extra Tips for the Best Rosh Hashana Challah
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with honey butter, apple compote, or pomegranate jam.
- It’s divine alongside a Rosh Hashana dinner — especially with roasted chicken, sweet carrots, and brisket.
- The next day, use slices for French toast — it’s incredible!
Storage & Reheating
- Store at room temperature, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze whole or sliced for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Apple Honey Challah: Add chunks of apple and swirl honey directly into the dough.
- Cinnamon Raisin Challah: Mix cinnamon and raisins into the dough for a cozy flavor.
- Pomegranate Challah: Fold in fresh pomegranate seeds after the first rise — festive and beautiful!
- Whole Wheat Version: Replace half the flour with whole wheat for a nutty, hearty texture.
🥄 Nutritional Information
According to NYT Cooking’s recipe for Rosh Hashana Challah:
- Calories: ~220 per slice
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
(Values vary depending on added fruits, honey, and flour types.)
❓ FAQ: Rosh Hashana Challah and Bread Recipes
How long does it take to make challah?
From start to finish, about 3 hours — including rising and baking time. Most of that is hands-off, so you can tidy up or prepare dinner while the dough rests.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose?
Yes! But use half and half for the best texture. 100% whole wheat tends to make challah denser unless enriched with extra oil or eggs.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk, oil instead of butter, and applesauce instead of eggs. It’s still tender and delicious.
Can I freeze challah?
Yes! Challah freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight at room temperature, then rewarm in a low oven.
Can I make mini challah rolls?
Yes, divide the dough into 8–10 equal parts and bake for 15–18 minutes. Perfect for individual servings or gifting!
🍯 Why You’ll Love These Rosh Hashana Challah and Bread Recipes
This challah isn’t just bread — it’s tradition, love, and joy in every slice. It’s soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and carries the sweetness of the season. Every bite feels like a wish for good health, happiness, and abundance.
And the best part? It’s a forgiving recipe. Even if your braid isn’t perfect or your coil leans to one side, the aroma that fills your kitchen will remind you that Rosh Hashana is about renewal, not perfection.
💬 Conclusion
So there you have it — a warm, delicious, and symbolic Rosh Hashana Challah and Bread Recipe that’s perfect for celebrating the New Year. Whether you make one big loaf to share or a few smaller ones for gifting, it’s a wonderful way to bring sweetness and tradition to your table.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, share your challah photos, or tag me on Instagram with your golden, glossy loaves. Shana Tova — may your year be as sweet and full as this bread! 🍯🍎✨