Makes 2 loavesFor the starter:1/2 cup milk, lukewarm1 tablespoon active dry yeast1 teaspoon sugar2 tablespoons all-purpose flourThe dough:5 cups bread flour1 cup (215 grams) granulated sugar3/4 (185 ml) cup lukewarm milk2 large eggs1 cup mashed pumpkinzest of an orange1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground ginger powder or 1-2 grated candied ginger pieces2 ounces unsalted butter, softened at room temperature1 cup dried sweetened cranberriesCream Cheese Icing:4 ounces cream cheese softened2 ounces butter softened2 cups confectioners sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract4-6 tablespoons milk or orange juiceOptional: orange zestegg wash: 1 egg yolk plus 2 tablespoons wateroptional garnish: candied ginger, finely choppedNote: This dough can be prepared in a table top mixer or kneaded by hand in a large bowl or on the countertop. Using a mixer will require less kneading time. About 10 minutes. If making the dough by hand, knead it at least 15 minutes so that the gluten forms well to achieve the desired consistency and texture.Combine the starter ingredients together in the bowl of a tabletop mixer. Whisk and set aside for 10 minutes to activate the yeast. It is ready when a puffy cloud forms above the mixture.In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, orange zest, salt, cinnamon, and ginger together. Mix well to combine.Once the yeast is activated, add all of the remaining ingredients to the mixer's bowl. Turn the mixer on low and knead for 8 minutes.Add the softened butter and increase the speed to medium (4 on the Kitchen aid) and knead for 2 minutes. Knead in the cranberries.Place some oil in the bottom of a large bowl and transfer the dough to the bowl. Toss around to coat and form a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place until doubled in volume. About 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours.Quick Rise Tip: My favorite place to keep the dough so that it rises quickly is in the dryer. Here is what I do: 1) I put 3-4 clean bath towels in the dryer and turn it on (high heat setting) for about 5-6 minutes. 2) I place the bowl with the dough into the dryer (on top of the warm towels) and close the door.3) Make sure the dryer is OFF!!4) Remove from the dryer when it has doubled in volume. This trick usually cuts 30 minutes from the rise time.Punch down the dough to remove the air. Cut into 2 equal portions.Cut each portion in thirds. If the dough is too sticky to roll out knead it with a small amount of flour. Just until smooth. Take care not to add too much so that it doesnt dry out.Roll each portion into about 13 inch long ropes.Form the 3 ropes into a braid and do the same with the remaining three ropes to shape 2 loaves of brioche.Place each braided loaf onto a baking tray (18 by 13 inch) lined with parchment paper.Cover with plastic wrap or with a clean towel. Set aside until doubled in volume. If using the dryer trick, it takes about 20-30 minutes.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, 177 degrees Celsius.Brush the tops of the brioche dough with the egg wash. Optional: Place a hard boiled, dyed egg in the braids or top with sliced almonds.Bake in the center rack of the oven for 30 minutes.Remove from the oven and cool at least 30 minutes. Combine all of the cream cheese icing ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Whisk together until smooth. Add more liquid if needed to achieve a pourable consistency.Drizzle over the tsoureki and top with chopped candied ginger if desired.Once baked and cooled, the bread can be frozen up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap.Enjoy!Get this recipe and more on my website: https://www.dimitrasdishes.com/recipes/pumpkin-cranberry-tsourekiOfficial Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dimitrasdishesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dimitras.dishes/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dimitrasdis0637/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DimitrasDishesHere are links to some of my favorite cooking tools. The links take you to Amazon where I'm proud to be an affiliate partner :)My cutting board: http://amzn.to/2e2p8EDKitchen Aid Mixer: http://amzn.to/2dQXU0bFood Processor: http://amzn.to/2eXcvZdMicroplane: http://amzn.to/2eL2vToMadeleine Pan: http://amzn.to/2dQU1smCheesecake Pan: http://amzn.to/2eXaGeQVitamix Blender: http://amzn.to/2eXcvbHNonstick pan: http://amzn.to/2eL804tCast iron pan: http://amzn.to/2dQYfjsPastry Bag: http://amzn.to/2e2v0xDHalf sheet baking pans: http://amzn.to/2fcv7cDThanks for watching! I'd love to see your recreations of these dishes so please share pics with me on social media :)Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and spread the word so that we can make the world more delicious!