The copanist is a traditional Greek delicacy that has been enjoyed for centuries by both locals and tourists. It is a type of sweet bread that is typically served as a dessert, but it can also be eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
The copanist is often made with a variety of ingredients, including honey, cinnamon, and raisins.
The History of the Copanist
The copanist has a long and rich history in Greece. It is believed that the recipe originated in the Byzantine period, which lasted from the 4th century to the 15th century.
During this time, the copanist was made with wheat flour, honey, and sesame seeds. The recipe was later modified during the Ottoman period, which lasted from the 14th century to the early 20th century. During this time, the copanist was made with phyllo dough, sugar, and cinnamon.
Today, the copanist is still a beloved dessert in Greece, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages.
While the recipe has evolved over time, the basic ingredients have remained the same, and the flavor and texture of the copanist continue to be a favorite among both locals and tourists.
The Baker’s Copanist: 43 Delicious Recipes
While the basic recipe for the copanist is fairly simple, there are countless variations of this dessert that can be found throughout Greece.
Some bakers add dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate to their copanist, while others use different types of sweeteners or flavorings to give their dessert a unique taste.
Below are 43 delicious copanist recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Cinnamon Raisin Copanist
This classic copanist recipe is one of the most popular in Greece. It is made with cinnamon, raisins, and a sweet glaze that gives the bread a delicious flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, vegetable oil, and active dry yeast. Mix until well combined.
- Add the salt, ground cinnamon, raisins, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until well combined.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of flour, and mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Punch down the dough, and transfer it to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Honey Walnut Copanist
This delicious recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the crunch of walnuts. It is a great choice for those who enjoy a nutty flavor in their desserts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, vegetable oil, and active dry yeast. Mix until well combined.
- Add the salt, chopped walnuts, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until well combined.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of flour, and mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Punch down the dough, and transfer it to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Chocolate Chip Copanist
This recipe is perfect for those who love chocolate. It is made with chocolate chips, which add a delicious sweetness to the bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, vegetable oil, and active dry yeast. Mix until well combined.
- Add the salt, chocolate chips, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until well combined.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of flour, and mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Punch down the dough, and transfer it to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Orange Blossom Copanist
This recipe incorporates the delicate flavor of orange blossom water, which is commonly used in Greek desserts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, vegetable oil, and active dry yeast. Mix until well combined.
- Add the salt, orange blossom water, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until well combined.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of flour, and mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Punch down the dough, and transfer it to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Lemon Poppy Seed Copanist
Lemon and poppy seeds are a classic combination, and this copanist recipe is no exception. The lemon adds a refreshing tanginess to the bread, while the poppy seeds add a slightly nutty flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
- 1/4 cup of poppy seeds
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, vegetable oil, and active dry yeast. Mix until well combined.
- Add the salt, lemon zest, poppy seeds, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until well combined.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of flour, and mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Punch down the dough, and transfer it to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
The copanist is a delicious Greek dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. With its combination of sweet ingredients and traditional flavors, it is no wonder that the copanist is still a beloved dessert today.
Whether you prefer a classic cinnamon raisin copanist or a modern twist, like chocolate chip or lemon poppy seed, there is a copanist recipe out there that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.