Christmas Bread Recipe

christmas bread recipe

Christmas is a time for family, joy, and of course, delicious food. One treat that is a must-have during the holiday season is Christmas bread. This sweet and festive bread is the perfect addition to any Christmas breakfast or brunch. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a dessert after dinner, this bread is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, especially during the holidays. This Christmas bread recipe is simple to make and will fill your home with the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

Ingredients

– 1 cup warm milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 2 eggs
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions Step by Step

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and orange zest.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
7. Punch down the dough and knead in dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
8. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
9. Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips

Looking to switch things up? Try adding chopped dried apricots or raisins instead of cranberries for a different flavor profile. This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Serve slices of Christmas bread toasted with a dollop of butter or cream cheese for a delicious treat.

In conclusion, this Christmas bread recipe is a festive and delicious addition to your holiday table. With warm spices, citrusy zest, and sweet dried fruits, this bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite. So, gather your loved ones, bake up a loaf of Christmas bread, and enjoy the flavors of the season together. Happy baking!