Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Bread is not just a delightful treat; it brings a warm holiday spirit to your home. Its rich flavors and comforting aroma make it perfect for festive gatherings. This bread can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter, making it a versatile addition to your holiday feasts. Plus, the act of baking together can create cherished memories with family and friends during the season.
How to Make Christmas Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with a pinch of sugar and sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets all frothy and bubbly – that’s how you know the yeast is alive and kicking!
- In a larger mixing bowl, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. That holiday aroma is about to hit you!
- Pour in the melted butter along with the eggs, vanilla extract, and your bubbly yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a soft dough starts to form – it’ll be a bit sticky, but that’s okay!
- Fold in your dried fruits and nuts. This is where you can get creative – feel free to mix in your favorites!
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It’s a great arm workout, too!
- Pop the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm area. You want it to double in size, which usually takes about 1-2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some deliciousness!
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently – it’s had its fun! Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes. This is the final lift before baking!
- Bake it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap on the bottom. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Once it’s out of the oven, cool it on a wire rack for a bit before slicing. Enjoy this warm, festive treat with family and friends!
How to Serve Christmas Bread
Christmas Bread can be served warm or at room temperature. Slice it and spread a little butter on top for extra richness. It also pairs perfectly with coffee or hot chocolate during festive gatherings. Add some fruit preserves or cream cheese for a delightful topping.
How to Store Christmas Bread
To keep your Christmas Bread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and freeze the pieces in a zip-top bag. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. Just toast or warm the slices before serving.
Tips to Make Christmas Bread
- Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
- Experiment with different dried fruits and nuts to find your favorite combination.
- For a sweeter bread, add a pinch more sugar.
Variation
You can spice things up by adding chocolate chips or swapping the dried fruits and nuts for your favorites. For a festive twist, try using orange or lemon zest in the dough for added flavor.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date and making sure your milk isn’t too hot or cold. Yeast thrives best in a warm environment.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead and let it rise, then shape it and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This will enhance the flavor!
Christmas Bread
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and festive bread that brings warmth to holiday gatherings, perfect served fresh or toasted.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with a pinch of sugar and sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Pour in the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and bubbly yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once risen, punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Serve warm with butter, coffee, or hot chocolate. Can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, or frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Christmas Bread, Holiday Baking, Festive Bread