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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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Equipment

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

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

Instructions
 

  • #### **Step 1: Activate the Yeast**
  • 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**
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Add the butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until combined.
  • Pour in the yeast mixture and knead for **8-10 minutes** until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • Fold in dried fruits and chopped nuts.
  • #### **Step 3: Let the Dough Rise**
  • 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**
  • Preheat oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
  • Shape the dough into a loaf or a round shape and place it on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
  • Cover and let rise for another **30 minutes**.
  • Bake for **30-35 minutes** or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  • #### **Step 5: Add the Glaze & Serve**
  • In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Drizzle over the cooled bread and let set before slicing.