why make this recipe
This Christmas Bread is warm, sweet, and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients you may already have. The bread fills your home with a nice smell. It works for breakfast, snacks, or a holiday table.
introduction
This recipe makes a soft loaf with dried fruit and mild spices. The dough is rich with eggs and butter. It rises twice for a good texture. You can add nuts or use different dried fruit.
how to make Christmas Bread
Ingredients :
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, or currants)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)
Directions :
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Fold in the dried fruit and nuts, if using.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased bread pan. Let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
how to serve Christmas Bread
Slice the bread after it cools. Serve plain or with butter. It is good with jam, cream cheese, or a hot drink. Warm slices in the oven for a few minutes for soft, fresh taste.
how to store Christmas Bread
Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm in the oven.
tips to make Christmas Bread
- Use warm milk (not hot) to activate the yeast.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling for best texture.
- If dough is sticky, add a little flour while kneading.
- For extra shine, brush the top with melted butter after baking.
variation (if any)
- Try mixed citrus peel instead of some dried fruit.
- Add orange zest to the dough for a bright flavor.
- Use chopped pecans or walnuts instead of almonds.
- Make rolls instead of a loaf for individual servings.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use less instant yeast (about 2 teaspoons) and mix it with the dry ingredients. You do not need to proof it in warm milk first.
Q: Can I make this bread without eggs?
A: You can try an egg substitute, but texture will change. The bread may be less rich and a bit denser.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A: The top should be golden brown and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An oven thermometer or an internal temp of about 190°F (88°C) also helps.
Q: Can I add more sugar for a sweeter bread?
A: Yes, you can add a little more sugar, but too much can slow yeast activity and change rise time.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: You can replace part of the flour with whole wheat, but use less (start with 1 cup whole wheat and 2 cups all-purpose) to keep a soft loaf.
Conclusion
For a similar festive bread idea and a cinnamon-sugar twist, see this recipe: Christmas Bread Recipe: This Cinnamon Bread is a Favorite …
Print
Christmas Bread
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, sweet Christmas Bread filled with dried fruit and mild spices, perfect for any holiday table.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, or currants)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Fold in the dried fruit and nuts, if using.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased bread pan. Let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
For best results, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. Brush the top with melted butter after baking for extra shine.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas, bread, holiday, dessert, sweet