Christmas Bread

There’s something undeniably cozy about baking a warm loaf of Christmas Bread at home. Soft, slightly sweet, and speckled with festive touches like dried fruit or nuts, this bread instantly fills your kitchen with holiday cheer. It’s simple enough to make even on busy evenings, yet special enough for family breakfasts or afternoon tea. I love kneading the dough while listening to Christmas music—it makes the process feel relaxing and festive. Whether you’re serving it right out of the oven on a chilly night or prepping ahead for a holiday brunch, this bread brings warmth and comfort to any table.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Christmas Bread is cozy, approachable, and downright versatile. Its soft, tender crumb is naturally sweet, and it’s flexible enough to pair with jams, butter, or a cheese board. The recipe comes together quickly, making it weeknight-friendly or perfect for a last-minute holiday treat. Leftovers stay soft for days, and it freezes beautifully, so you can slice and enjoy whenever you need a festive snack. Budget-conscious cooks will appreciate that it uses simple pantry staples. Crowd-pleasing and comforting, this bread works for family breakfasts, gift baskets, or a holiday dessert plate. Pin it now to save a recipe that’s as practical as it is delightful—a bread that makes your kitchen smell like Christmas.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use all-purpose flour for a tender, soft loaf.

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Crack eggs into a small bowl, whisk lightly, and set aside.

See also  Blueberry Bread

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Slowly mix melted butter and eggs into the yeast mixture. Gradually add dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Gently fold in dried cranberries and nuts until evenly distributed. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Shape dough into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise 20–30 minutes more. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly before slicing to enjoy soft, fragrant bread.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This Christmas Bread is a lifesaver when you need a holiday treat with minimal stress. You can prep the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for later baking, or freeze fully baked slices for quick snacks. It’s forgiving if your schedule is unpredictable, and leftovers stay soft, making it easy to serve for multiple meals. Pin this for a simple, crowd-pleasing bread whenever the holidays get busy.

Tips & Tricks

  • Check your yeast: Always use fresh yeast for a reliable rise. Expired yeast can lead to dense bread, so proof it in warm milk first to ensure it bubbles.
  • Avoid over-flouring: Adding too much flour makes the bread dry. Keep the dough slightly sticky for a soft, tender crumb.
  • Even distribution: Fold in fruits and nuts gently. Over-kneading after adding them can crush or tear ingredients, affecting texture.
  • Temperature matters: Let eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients slow yeast activity and can make the dough rise unevenly.

Variations

  • Meaty Version: Add ½ cup cooked, chopped sausage or ham for a savory holiday twist. It pairs well with cheese for a brunch loaf. Reduce sugar slightly to balance flavors.
  • Vegetarian Option: Omit meat and add ½ cup chopped roasted vegetables, like sweet potatoes or bell peppers, for a colorful, soft bread with extra flavor.
  • Ingredient Swap: Replace dried cranberries with raisins, cherries, or chopped dates. Swap nuts for seeds if desired. The bread maintains its soft, tender texture.
  • Flavor Boost: Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves for a spiced aroma. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add an unexpected savory note.
See also  Zuchinis bread recipe

Serving Suggestions

  • With Butter and Jam: Slice warm bread and serve with butter or fruit preserves for a simple, cozy breakfast.
  • Holiday Sandwiches: Use thick slices for ham, turkey, or cheese sandwiches—perfect for family gatherings or lunchboxes.
  • Festive Toasts: Toast slices lightly, spread cream cheese or Nutella, and top with extra nuts or fruit for a fun holiday snack.
  • Table Centerpiece: Arrange on a wooden board with fresh berries and evergreen sprigs. Makes a charming addition to any Christmas table or brunch spread.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeps the bread soft, though slightly denser than fresh.
  • Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster or oven for 5–7 minutes to restore a fresh-baked feel.
  • Freezing: Wrap slices or the full loaf in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
  • Make-ahead Tips: You can mix and knead the dough the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next day. This helps with busy schedules or prepping for brunch.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Rest Time: 1–1.5 hours
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 220–260 per slice
Protein: 5–6 g
Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
Fat: 7–9 g
Contains fiber from dried fruit and healthy fats from nuts. Values vary based on ingredient choices and portion size.

FAQs

Yes, you can shape the dough, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.

Check your yeast’s freshness and water temperature; too hot or cold can prevent rising.

See also  Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Almond, oat, or soy milk works fine. Ensure it’s warm for yeast activation.

Likely under-kneading or adding too much flour. Keep dough soft and elastic.

Stored in an airtight container, 3 days in the fridge; slices freeze up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Christmas Bread is the kind of recipe that makes the holiday season feel warm and personal. It’s soft, flavorful, and versatile, perfect for casual family breakfasts, brunch spreads, or a comforting evening snack. You can customize it with fruits, nuts, spices, or savory additions to suit your taste. It’s forgiving, easy to make ahead, and a delight to slice and share. Pin it for later, bake a loaf on a cozy afternoon, and enjoy the festive aromas filling your kitchen. This bread is truly a small, delicious way to celebrate Christmas at home.

Christmas Bread Save
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Christmas Bread

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Bread Recipe
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour2

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • ¼ tsp active dry yeast

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup warm milk

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins

  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

Directions

  • In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Add butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. Slowly mix in dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
  • Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth.
  • Fold in dried fruit and nuts. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
  • Shape into a loaf, place in a greased pan, and let rise 20–30 minutes.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden. Cool slightly before slicing.

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