why make this recipe
Festive Christmas Bread is a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. It not only fills your home with a warm, inviting smell but also creates a sense of joy and togetherness. This bread is perfect for sharing with friends and family, making it an ideal treat for gatherings. With its soft texture, hints of spice, and bursts of dried fruits, this bread captures the spirit of the season beautifully. Baking it can even become a fun family activity that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
how to make Festive Christmas Bread
Ingredients :
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (like cranberries or raisins)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds)
- Optional: glaze (powdered sugar mixed with milk)
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased baking pan.
- Let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Optional: Drizzle with glaze once cooled.
how to serve Festive Christmas Bread
Serve your Festive Christmas Bread warm or at room temperature. You can slice it and enjoy it plain or with butter. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze on top.
how to store Festive Christmas Bread
Store any leftover Festive Christmas Bread in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. Just allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Festive Christmas Bread
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- If you want a richer flavor, let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven.
- You can add extra spices like allspice or ginger for more flavor.
- Experiment with different dried fruits and nuts to personalize your bread.
variation
You can create variations of this bread by adding chocolate chips, citrus zests (like orange or lemon), or even substituting some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this bread a day before serving. Just store it properly, and it will stay fresh and delicious.
2. What other toppings can I use besides glaze?
You could sprinkle powdered sugar, drizzle honey, or serve it with flavored cream cheese for a delicious twist.
3. Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried ones?
Fresh fruits may add too much moisture to the dough. It’s best to stick with dried fruits for this recipe.
Festive Christmas Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful bread filled with spices and dried fruits, perfect for holiday celebrations and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (like cranberries or raisins)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds)
- Optional: glaze (powdered sugar mixed with milk)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased baking pan.
- Let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Optional: Drizzle with glaze once cooled.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Optional additions include chocolate chips or citrus zests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Christmas bread, festive baking, holiday recipes