This Christmas Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly embodies the festive season. With its rich flavors and lovely aroma, it’s sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Soft, sweet, and studded with dried fruits, this bread offers a comforting taste that pairs wonderfully with hot drinks. Whether you’re sharing it with family during breakfast or gifting it to friends, this Christmas bread brings joy and warmth to any table.
Why Make This Christmas Bread
Making Christmas bread is not just about the delicious outcome; it’s about the experience. Kneading the dough can be a therapeutic activity, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is absolutely intoxicating. This bread is also versatile; it can be enjoyed warm from the oven, toasted for breakfast, or served alongside your favorite holiday spreads. Plus, it makes for an impressive centerpiece during festive gatherings, inviting everyone to dig in and savor a slice.
How to Make Christmas Bread
Creating this festive bread is simpler than you might think. With only a few steps and ingredients, you’ll have a beautiful loaf that radiates the spirit of Christmas. Just follow the directions carefully, and soon enough, you’ll be rewarded with a golden-brown loaf that not only tastes amazing but looks stunning too.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (like cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon. Stir them together until well combined.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and water until warm but not boiling.
- Add the warm liquids to the dry ingredients, mixing well to form a cohesive mixture.
- Add the eggs and melted butter to the dough; knead until the mixture is smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Gently incorporate the dried fruits into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, around 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release any trapped air and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the shaped dough in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let the bread cool before slicing, then serve and enjoy.
Nutritional Information
Per slice (based on 12 slices):
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g
How to Serve Christmas Bread
This Christmas bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it sliced with butter spread for a cozy breakfast or brunch option. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also toast slices lightly for an added crunch and serve with your favorite jam or cream cheese. For a festive touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or drizzle with icing.
How to Store Christmas Bread
To keep your Christmas bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Bread
- Make sure your milk and water are warm, but not hot, when mixing. This helps activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough properly to develop gluten, contributing to a soft texture.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm environment is key. If your house is cool, you can preheat the oven briefly and then turn it off, using the warmth for rising.
- Try adding nuts or spices like nutmeg for added depth of flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Christmas Bread: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
- Spiced Bread: Incorporate additional spices like nutmeg or allspice for a warm flavor.
- Fruity Twist: Use a mix of dried fruits, including cherries and apples, for a varied taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half the amount of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. -
What can I use if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast in the same amount, but there’s no need to activate it in water first. -
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
Conclusion
Making Christmas bread at home is a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with festive aromas and brings loved ones together. With its delightful flavor and texture, this bread is perfect for any holiday gathering. Give it a try and share it with your family; you won’t be disappointed. We’d love to hear how your Christmas bread turns out, so feel free to share your baking experiences or any interesting variations you’ve tried!
Print
Christmas Bread
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and festive bread filled with dried fruits and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (like cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well.
- Heat milk and water in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
- Add warm liquids to the dry ingredients and mix to form a cohesive mixture.
- Add eggs and melted butter; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Gently incorporate dried fruits into the dough.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf pan. Let rise for another 30 minutes, covered.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let cool before slicing, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Christmas bread, holiday baking, festive bread, sweet bread, breakfast bread
