why make this recipe

Christmas Bread is a delightful treat that fills your home with warm, festive scents. It brings family and friends together during the holiday season with its soft texture and the sweetness of cranberries and nuts. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Making this bread is a wonderful tradition that can become part of your holiday celebrations year after year.

how to make Christmas Bread

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

Christmas Bread is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. You can serve it plain or spread with a little butter. It also pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or hot cocoa. For a special touch, try serving it with cream cheese or a fruit spread.

how to store Christmas Bread

To keep your Christmas Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. Just make sure to let it thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it.

tips to make Christmas Bread

Make sure your milk is warm but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast.
Kneading the dough well helps develop gluten, which gives the bread its nice texture.
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of allspice or anise.
Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits based on your preference.

variation

You can easily adjust this recipe by adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist or using different dried fruits, such as apricots or raisins. Feel free to try different nuts or spices to create your own holiday favorite!

FAQs

Q: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, bread flour can be used, but this will make the bread a bit denser.

Q: How can I tell if my bread is done baking?
A: The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before baking.

Christmas Bread

Print Recipe

A delightful Christmas Bread filled with cranberries, nuts, and festive spices, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Dissolve the yeast in warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl.
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

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 220
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Christmas, festive bread, holiday baking, homemade bread, sweet bread