Quick recipe with a single dough
The soft mini Easter doves are a simple and quick version of the classic Easter colomba. I make this recipe when I want to bring a homemade Easter dessert to the table without complicated procedures.
The special feature of these mini doves is that they are prepared with a single dough, easy to handle and very fragrant thanks to orange zest, vanilla and almond extract. The result is a soft, aromatic cake, perfect for Easter breakfast or an afternoon snack.
They are also very pretty to give as a gift because they have the classic colomba shape but in a single-portion version.
Try these other Easter desserts:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 1 Hour
- Portions: 14
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Easter
Ingredients
About 12 pieces
- 3/4 cup type 0 flour (about 100 g)
- 3/4 cup milk (180 ml)
- 2 tsp fresh yeast (about 6 g)
- 3 1/2 cups type 0 flour (about 450 g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 2 eggs
- 7 tbsp butter (about 100 g)
- 1 1/4 tsp fresh yeast (about 4 g)
- 2/3 cup almonds (about 100 g)
- 2 egg whites
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp fine cornmeal (fioretto)
Tools
- 12 Colomba molds 100 g molds
Steps
Preparation video HERE.
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I prepare the preferment
First, put the flour, the yeast and the milk in a bowl.
Mix well, cover and let it rise:
overnight in the refrigerator or about 30 minutes at room temperature.
When the preferment is ready, add the remaining flour, the sugar, the remaining yeast and the prepared preferment.
Add the eggs and start kneading at medium speed for about 10–15 minutes.
You must obtain an elastic and soft dough.
Near the end, add the butter little by little while continuing to knead until fully incorporated. Finally add: orange zest, almond extract, vanilla or rum and mix well, then add the candied fruit.
Shape the mini doves
Transfer the dough to the work surface.
Cut portions of about 100 g each.
Form into balls.
then divide each piece in half.
Form little rolls and place them in the molds stacked to give the dove shape.
Proofing
Let rise until almost to the edge of the mold.
Time may vary depending on room temperature.
Prepare the glaze
Chop the almonds and put them in a bowl.
Add the egg whites and mix.
Also add: sugar,
Add the starch and the fine cornmeal.
Mix until you obtain a creamy glaze.
Baking
When the mini doves have risen, spread the glaze on top, distribute it evenly and add some sugar pearls.
Bake in the oven at 356°F for about 25–30 minutes.
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✨ Result
You will get soft, fragrant mini Easter doves, very pretty to serve, perfect for Easter breakfast or lunch.
Storage:
Mini Easter doves keep:
3 days at room temperature, well wrapped
up to 1 month in the freezer.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Can I make the mini doves without candied fruit?Yes, you can replace them with chocolate chips or omit them.
Can I prepare them the day before?Yes, they will still remain very soft the next day.
Can I use dry yeast?Yes, you can replace the fresh yeast with about 4 g of dry yeast.
