Kókonya is a traditional sweet bread that’s especially tied to Easter in the Székely region of Transylvania. The word kókonya still lives on in folk language, with different meanings depending on the area. In many places, it simply refers to all the foods eaten at Easter. But in the region of Gyergyó, kókonya specifically means the Easter bread – soft, slightly sweet and braided like a wreath.

Families there bake it for Easter Sunday and take it, along with other foods like lamb, ham and eggs, to the early morning church service to be blessed. Once blessed, it’s eaten in place of regular bread during the holiday meal. It’s more than just food – it’s part of a tradition passed down for generations. This recipe brings that tradition into your kitchen.