why make this recipe
Festive Christmas Bread is a delightful treat that brings joy and warmth to your holiday season. This bread is perfect for sharing with family and friends during celebrations. Its sweet aroma and rich flavors create a cozy atmosphere that everyone loves. Not only is it delicious, but it also makes a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
how to make Festive Christmas Bread
Ingredients :
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (e.g., cranberries, raisins)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- In another bowl, mix flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture, then slowly mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate dried fruits and nuts.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
how to serve Festive Christmas Bread
Festive Christmas Bread is best served warm. You can slice it and enjoy it plain or spread some butter on top for extra flavor. It’s also great with a cup of hot cocoa or holiday tea. Serve it on a festive platter for a beautiful holiday presentation.
how to store Festive Christmas Bread
To store Festive Christmas Bread, let it cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and place it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw it before serving.
tips to make Festive Christmas Bread
- Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough just until it’s smooth to ensure a light texture.
- Feel free to use different dried fruits or nuts based on your preferences.
- For an extra touch, glaze the bread with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk after baking.
variation
You can customize this Festive Christmas Bread by adding spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor. A sprinkle of orange zest can also add a wonderful citrus note.
FAQs
What can I substitute for dried fruits?
You can use fresh fruits like apples or pears, but make sure to adjust the moisture in the dough.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just let it come back to room temperature before shaping and rising again.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based milk and butter for a vegan version.
Festive Christmas Bread
A delightful treat that brings joy and warmth to your holiday season, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (e.g., cranberries, raisins)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- In another bowl, mix flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture, then slowly mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate dried fruits and nuts.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
Serve warm and enjoy plain or with butter. Great with hot cocoa or holiday tea.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Bread, Holiday Baking, Festive Foods, Sweet Bread