why make this recipe

Festive Christmas Bread is a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Its warm, sweet flavors filled with dried fruits and nuts create a cozy atmosphere. Making this bread not only fills your home with a wonderful aroma but also brings family and friends together to share in the joy of baking. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a dessert, making it a versatile choice for festive celebrations.

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 Festive Christmas Bread warm or at room temperature. You can slice it and enjoy it on its own or spread a bit of butter on top. It’s also great alongside a cup of coffee or hot cocoa during the holidays. If you drizzled it with glaze, the sweetness adds an extra touch to your festive table.

how to store Festive Christmas Bread

To store Festive Christmas Bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil once it completely cools. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

tips to make Festive Christmas Bread

Make sure your milk is warm but not hot; it should feel warm to the touch.
Knead the dough well to ensure it becomes soft and elastic.
Let the dough rise in a warm area, like near a sunny window or in a warm room, to help it double in size faster.
Experiment with different dried fruits and nuts to find your favorite combination.

variation

You can add spices like cardamom or ginger for an extra festive touch. For a chocolatey version, fold in some chocolate chips in place of dried fruits.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture and flavor slightly. You might need to adjust the liquid to make the dough less dry.

2. How can I make this recipe vegan?

You can use plant-based milk and substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan version. Use a dairy-free butter or oil for melting.

3. What can I do if my bread didn’t rise?

If your bread didn’t rise, it might be because the yeast was inactive. Ensure your yeast is fresh, and that the warmth of the milk wasn’t too hot, as extreme temperatures can kill the yeast. Try letting the dough rise in a warmer place.

Festive Christmas Bread

Print Recipe

A delightful, warm, and sweet bread filled with dried fruits and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Author: megan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 110 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 servings) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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 60 minutes.
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

Serve warm with butter or alongside coffee/hot cocoa. Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Can freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 220
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Christmas bread, festive bread, holiday baking