Growing up, the smell of fresh Christmas bread wafting through our home was as much a part of the holiday tradition as trimming the tree or hanging stockings. I can still vividly remember the cozy feeling I’d get as I’d sit by the oven, watching the dough rise and the sweet scent filling the air. It was a moment of pure comfort and joy, a time to gather with loved ones and savor the simple pleasures of the season.
As an adult, I’ve tried countless Christmas bread recipes, but none have quite captured the magic of those childhood memories. That is, until I stumbled upon this truly special Christmas Bread. From the first bite, it transported me back to those cherished moments, the flavors and textures so perfectly balanced that it feels like a hug from my grandmother. This Christmas Bread has become a staple in my home, a beloved recipe that I can’t wait to share with you.
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Why This Christmas Bread Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Bread
What sets this Christmas Bread apart is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The soft, pillowy crumb is complemented by the subtle sweetness of the dough, which is then elevated by the warm spices and festive dried fruits. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing with delight. And the best part? This recipe yields a generous 12 servings, so you can savor every last crumb.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Christmas Bread masterpiece, you’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These simple, yet carefully selected ingredients come together to form a Christmas Bread that will become your new holiday staple.
Step-by-Step Christmas Bread Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Bread
This recipe takes 45 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, and a baking sheet.
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
2- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm to the touch, but not hot.
3- Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients and use a wooden spoon to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Then, knead the dough using the stand mixer’s dough hook attachment for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4- Gently fold in the eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased baking sheet and shape it into a round loaf.
6- Bake the Christmas Bread at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for optimal rising.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in a tough, dense texture.
- Experiment with different dried fruits and nuts to customize the flavors to your liking.
- Keep a close eye on the bread during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Bread
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Bread
This Christmas Bread is the perfect accompaniment to a cozy holiday gathering. Serve it with a warm cup of mulled wine or hot apple cider for a truly festive experience. It also pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses, jams, and honey, making it a versatile addition to any holiday spread. Remember, this recipe yields 12 servings, with each serving being one delicious slice.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To store your freshly baked Christmas Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw it at room temperature and warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Bread
Creative Christmas Bread Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the dried cranberries for dried apricots or cherries. You could also experiment with different spice blends, such as adding a touch of cardamom or ginger. For a more savory twist, try incorporating roasted garlic or Parmesan cheese into the dough.
Making Christmas Bread Diet-Friendly
To make this Christmas Bread gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, substitute the eggs and milk with plant-based alternatives, and use dairy-free butter. To reduce the carb count, you can replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the dried cranberries with a different dried fruit?
A: Absolutely! This Christmas Bread is highly adaptable. You can swap out the dried cranberries for dried apricots, cherries, or even a mix of your favorite dried fruits.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 12 servings, with each serving being 1 slice.
Q: Can I make this Christmas Bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! This bread keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days, and it can also be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw it and warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Q: My dough isn’t rising properly. What could be the issue?
A: If your dough isn’t rising as expected, there are a few potential culprits. Make sure the yeast is fresh and active, and that the milk mixture is not too hot, as that can kill the yeast. Additionally, ensure the dough is proofing in a warm, draft-free environment.
Christmas Bread: A Delightful Holiday Tradition
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of our classic Christmas Bread, a timeless holiday treat that’s sure to become a new family tradition. Infused with the fragrant spices of the season and a rich, buttery texture, this bread is perfect for sharing with loved ones during the most wonderful time of the year.
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
2. 2. Add the softened butter, warm milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook or your hands, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a round loaf.
5. 5. Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
6. 6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
7. 7. Bake the Christmas Bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
8. 8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar.
9. 9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
– For a richer flavor, replace 1/4 cup of the milk with 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
– Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
– Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Cakes, Pies & Cheesecakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Christmas Bread is truly a labor of love, but the rewards are well worth it. From the first bite to the last, you’ll be transported to a world of cozy holiday memories, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s get baking! I can’t wait to hear how your Christmas Bread turns out. Be sure to share your creations and tag me on social media. Happy holidays!
