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Armenian Gata

Armenian Gata is a soft, buttery sweet bread filled with a crumbly sugar and butter mixture called khoriz. Perfect with coffee or tea, it’s a cozy, traditional Armenian treat you can easily make at home.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Armenian
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the dough:
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the filling khoriz:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Method
 

  1. Prepare the yeast: Warm milk slightly. Stir in sugar and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
  3. Make the filling: Mix flour, sugar, softened butter, and vanilla until crumbly.
  4. Shape the Gata: Punch down dough. Divide into 2–3 portions. Roll each into a circle ~½ inch thick. Spread filling. Roll into a log and shape into a circle or braid. Place on a greased baking tray.
  5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
  6. Serve: Slice and enjoy warm. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

    • Use unsalted butter for the best flavor.
    • Dough should remain soft; avoid over-kneading.
    • You can shape Gata as rolls, braids, or circles.
    • Serve fresh or store in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat slightly before serving.