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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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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.