Slovenian Potica Bread

To begin making the dough, combine 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Next, incorporate yeast into the mixture, followed by adding 1/4 cup of warm water to create a smooth consistency. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 10 minutes, or until it has developed a creamy texture.

Combine butter and the remaining sugar in a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer to blend until smooth. Gradually add egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each addition is well incorporated before proceeding to the next step. Introduce the yeast mixture, 1 1/3 cups of milk, and a pinch of salt into the bowl. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.

Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour to the bowl, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Once the dough has come together and formed a cohesive mass, transfer it to a lightly floured surface for kneading. Continue kneading until the dough has achieved a smooth, elastic texture, approximately 8 minutes later.

To prepare the baking surfaces, lightly oil two rimmed baking sheets. Deflate the dough and place it on a floured surface, dividing it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle of varying thickness, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

Spread the filling ingredients over each dough rectangle in a specific order: melted butter, honey, raisins, and walnuts. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top of each rectangle before rolling them up tightly, pinching the ends to seal. Place the rolled loaves seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheets, allowing them to rise until doubled in volume, approximately 45 minutes or an hour.

Preheat the oven to a temperature of 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the loaves in the preheated oven until they have achieved a golden brown color on top, approximately 1 hour later.