Warm, fruity bread that smells like the holidays.
introduction
This Christmas Bread is soft, slightly sweet, and full of fruit and nuts. It makes your home smell like orange, cinnamon, and baking bread. It is easy to make and nice for a holiday table or gifts.
why make this recipe
You make this recipe because it is simple and festive. It uses common ingredients and gives a soft, tasty loaf. The orange zest and cranberries add bright flavor. The nuts add a nice crunch. It is good for breakfast, snack, or a holiday treat.
how to make Christmas Bread
You mix the dough, let it rise, add the fruit and nuts, shape it, and bake. Start by proofing the yeast in warm milk. Mix dry ingredients, then add eggs, butter, and yeast mix. Knead until smooth, fold in cranberries, nuts, and orange zest. Let the dough rise twice, shape into a loaf, and bake until golden.
Ingredients :
4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 cup warm milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/4 cup orange zest
Directions :
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate cranberries, nuts, and orange zest.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
how to serve Christmas Bread
Slice the bread when it is cool. Serve plain or with butter. You can also spread a little jam or cream cheese. Warm slices slightly for a soft texture.
how to store Christmas Bread
Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
tips to make Christmas Bread
- Use warm milk (not hot) to proof the yeast.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- If dough is sticky, add a little flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Let the loaf rise in a warm, draft-free spot.
- Toast nuts lightly for extra flavor before adding.
variation (if any)
- Replace cranberries with raisins or chopped dried cherries.
- Use almonds or hazelnuts instead of walnuts or pecans.
- Add a simple glaze of powdered sugar and orange juice after baking for extra sweetness.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this bread without nuts?
A: Yes. Just leave out the nuts or replace them with seeds.
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use slightly less instant yeast and add it to the dry ingredients, following the yeast package for timing.
Q: How do I know the bread is done?
A: The loaf should be golden brown. Tap the bottom — it should sound hollow. An instant-read thermometer should read about 190°F (88°C) in the center.
Q: Can I make this dough in a stand mixer?
A: Yes. Use the dough hook and mix until smooth, about 5–7 minutes on low to medium.
Conclusion
For another similar recipe and ideas for a cinnamon-style holiday loaf, see this helpful guide: Christmas Bread Recipe: This Cinnamon Bread is a Favorite …
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Christmas Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, fruity bread that smells like the holidays. Soft, slightly sweet, filled with cranberries and nuts.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup orange zest
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate cranberries, nuts, and orange zest.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
Serve with butter, jam, or cream cheese. Wrap in plastic wrap for storage. Can freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Christmas Bread, Holiday Baking, Fruity Bread