Flower Challah

Bring the excitement and festivity of Yom Tov to your home today as you prepare these challah rolls in this flower shape for Shavuos.

Mrs. Krauss is the secretary at Renee’s boys school who happens to live nearby. One time, after giving Renee’s son a ride home, she invited Renee into her home to see what she had prepared for Shavuos.

On the counter were these flower challahs.

Her mother has been making these for years, she told Renee. And each year, she forgets what she did the year before and tries to figure it out all over again.  

Renee had a solution. She could show her one time. And we could photograph it.

And then never forget again. The best part, we realized, is that it’s actually easy and anyone can do it and it will look as good as these do. You don’t need to be a master braider or challah maker to get these same, beautiful results.

The kids see you prepare the challah like this a few days or weeks before Yom Tov and suddenly, the anticipation is in the air. These are the small things that the kids cherish, the traditions we do from year to year that get kids excited and stay in their memories. 

Start by shaping your challah dough into balls. Our balls were about the size of a palm, but the actual size does not matter. Flatten each ball using a rolling pin. It does not need to be super flat, about ½-inch or so works. 

Place a plastic shot cup (or any small condiment cup you have handy) over the center of the circle. Press down slightly to make an indentation. Then, using a knife, begin to make slits. You will make 16 slits altogether, but to ensure they are even, start by making four slits. 

Then four additional slit in each space.

Then, another slit in the middle of each section. 

Pinch every two pieces together to form petals.

Press them together nicely.

Brush with egg and sprinkle the center with poppy seeds.

Bake until golden (time will depend on the size of your challahs, your recipe, and your oven). 

You can also Decorate Your Challah with Flowers for Shavuos.