Christmas Bread

This Christmas Bread is a festive, lightly sweetened bread infused with warm spices, dried fruit, and nuts, making it the perfect holiday centerpiece.

With its golden-brown crust, soft and fluffy texture, and a hint of citrus, this homemade bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting. Inspired by traditional holiday breads from around the world, this loaf is packed with seasonal flavors and holiday cheer!

With its soft crumb and slightly spiced, fruity filling, this Christmas Bread is a must-have for holiday celebrations. Whether enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a light glaze, every bite is a delicious reminder of the season’s warmth and joy.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Baking sheet or loaf pan
• Pastry brush

Ingredients Overview

• Flour & Yeast: Create a soft and fluffy texture.
• Dried Fruits & Nuts: Add sweetness and texture to the loaf.
• Spices & Citrus Zest: Give the bread its festive, warm holiday flavor.

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
• 1/3 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)

For the Glaze (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Add the butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until combined.
3. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Fold in dried fruits and chopped nuts.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape & Bake the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Shape the dough into a loaf or a round shape and place it on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
3. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Step 5: Add the Glaze & Serve

1. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Drizzle over the cooled bread and let set before slicing.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Rise Time

1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Total Time

2 hours 25 minutes

Nutrition (per slice, ~12 servings)

• Calories: ~220
• Fat: ~6g
• Carbohydrates: ~36g
• Protein: ~5g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Flavor: Soak dried fruit in rum or orange juice before adding to the dough.
• For a Softer Crust: Brush the bread with melted butter while still warm.
• Make It More Festive: Add white chocolate chips or candied citrus peel.

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the bread and store it for up to 3 days at room temperature.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze Christmas bread?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives.
• More Spices: Add cardamom or cloves for extra warmth.

Christmas Bread

This **Christmas Bread** is a festive, lightly sweetened bread infused with warm spices, dried fruit, and nuts, making it the perfect holiday centerpiece. With its golden-brown crust, soft and fluffy texture, and a hint of citrus, this homemade bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• #### **For the Bread**
• - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• - 1/2 cup warm milk 110°F
• - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
• - 2 large eggs
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• - 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots
• - 1/3 cup chopped nuts almonds, walnuts, or pecans
• #### **For the Glaze Optional**
• - 1 cup powdered sugar
• - 2 tablespoons milk
• - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• - Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Stand mixer (optional)
• - Baking sheet or loaf pan
• - Pastry brush

Method

 

1. #### **Step 1: Activate the Yeast**
2. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for **5-10 minutes** until frothy.
3. #### **Step 2: Prepare the Dough**
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Add the butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until combined.
6. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead for **8-10 minutes** until the dough is smooth and elastic.
7. Fold in dried fruits and chopped nuts.
8. #### **Step 3: Let the Dough Rise**
9. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for **1.5 hours**, or until doubled in size.
10. #### **Step 4: Shape & Bake the Bread**
11. Preheat oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
12. Shape the dough into a loaf or a round shape and place it on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
13. Cover and let rise for another **30 minutes**.
14. Bake for **30-35 minutes** or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
15. #### **Step 5: Add the Glaze & Serve**
16. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
17. Drizzle over the cooled bread and let set before slicing.