Description
A delightful and festive bread that brings warmth to holiday gatherings, perfect served fresh or toasted.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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