Christmas Bread

why make this recipe

Christmas Bread is a heartwarming treat that brings joy to the holiday season. Its sweet aroma fills the air, making your home feel festive. This bread is not just delicious; it also carries the spirit of togetherness. Whether you serve it during breakfast or as a snack with family and friends, Christmas Bread is a delightful way to celebrate the holidays.

how to make Christmas Bread

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried fruits (e.g., cranberries, raisins)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Add dried fruits and knead to incorporate.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
9. Place it in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
11. Let it cool before slicing and serving.

how to serve Christmas Bread

You can serve Christmas Bread warm or at room temperature. It is perfect for breakfast with butter or jam. You can also enjoy it as a slice with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving.

how to store Christmas Bread

To keep your Christmas Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months.

tips to make Christmas Bread

• Make sure your milk is warm, but not hot, to ensure the yeast activates properly.
• Knead the dough until it’s smooth for the best texture.
• You can add more spices like ginger or cloves for a bolder flavor.
• Try different dried fruits, such as apricots or cherries, for variety.

variation

You can make a chocolate chip version by adding 1 cup of chocolate chips instead of dried fruits. This adds a sweet twist and makes it a delightful treat for chocolate lovers.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. Just note that the texture may be denser.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake it the next day.

What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm enough. If it still doesn’t rise, try placing it in a warmer spot in your home.

Christmas Bread

---

• Author: yolanda
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x

Save Recipe Recipe Saved

Save Recipe Recipe Saved

Description

Christmas Bread is a festive, spiced loaf filled with dried fruits and holiday cheer. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or sharing with loved ones throughout the season.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, etc.)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

---

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix to form a dough.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Fold in the dried fruits and knead until evenly distributed.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Punch down dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf pan. Let rise 30 minutes.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before slicing.

Notes

To keep your bread extra moist, store it tightly wrapped once cooled. For gifting, dust the top with powdered sugar and wrap in parchment with a festive ribbon.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Holiday

Keywords: Christmas bread, holiday loaf, fruit bread, festive baking