Why Make This Recipe
Festive Christmas Bread is a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. This bread is not only delicious but also fills your home with wonderful aromas, creating the perfect festive atmosphere. It combines the flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, making it a cherished addition to your Christmas celebrations.
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
Serve this warm, freshly baked bread at breakfast or as a delightful snack. You can slice it and enjoy it plain, or spread some butter or cream cheese on top. It also pairs perfectly with hot beverages like coffee or hot chocolate, making it a cozy treat for the holidays.
How to Store Festive Christmas Bread
To store the bread, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep it longer, consider storing it in the refrigerator or freezing it. Just make sure to wrap it well so it doesn’t dry out.
Tips to Make Festive Christmas Bread
- Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to help activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth for the best texture.
- Feel free to adjust the types of dried fruits and nuts according to your preference.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips for a sweeter variation or use different spices like ginger for added warmth. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking can also add a delightful crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly.
2. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown on top, and if you tap it on the bottom, it should sound hollow.
3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time, let it rise, then shape it into a loaf and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
Festive Christmas Bread
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat filled with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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 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
Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to help activate the yeast. Adjust the types of dried fruits and nuts according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Christmas bread, festive bread, holiday baking, homemade bread