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Holiday celebrations bring with them feelings of warmth, family togetherness and delectable treats! Few things better represent the spirit of Christmas than the delightful scent of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. But why settle for store-bought baked goods when you can make your own Christmas Bread recipes? This guide will walk you through how to make a delicious Christmas bread recipes that’s sure to steal the show. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, you’ll find this recipe approachable, customizable, and truly festive.
From classic holiday flavors to easy steps and tips for customizing, get ready to craft the perfect bread for your celebrations. After all, there’s nothing quite like homemade holiday bread recipes to spread love and cheer!
Recipe Highlights
- Perfect for Beginners: This fool-proof recipe is simple yet impressive, making it an ideal pick for those new to baking.
- Festive Flavors: Infused with warm spices, citrus zest, and dried fruits, this bread is Christmas in every bite.
- Versatility: Use this as the base for variations like mini Christmas loaf recipes or a gluten-free version.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This is one of those holiday bread maker recipes you can partly prep ahead of time, saving you from holiday stress.
Ingredients List
To make the perfect Christmas loaf, you’ll need the following:
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warm, around 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 3/4 cups of dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries will do nicely (or you could mix and match).
- 1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Topping:
- 1 egg yolk (beaten, for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons pearl sugar or powdered sugar for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Warm up your milk to around 110°F (warm to the touch but not hot). Mix together warm milk, sugar and yeast in a small bowl until everything has mixed together evenly. Stir lightly and allow to stand for 5-7 minutes until frothy foam forms on top. This activates the yeast.
- Measure and prepare all your ingredients so they’re ready to go. Toss the dried fruits and candied orange peel with 1 tablespoon of the flour to ensure they don’t sink into the bread.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together thoroughly.
- Add yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla into a food processor or mixer and process. Mix until a dough starts to form.
- Knead your dough on a floured surface for approximately 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes at medium speed.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in an ideal warm environment for one or two hours. It should double in size.
Step 4: Add the Mix-ins
- Once risen, punch down and combine your dough with dried fruits, candied orange peel and optional nuts until all components have been evenly distributed throughout. Make sure they’re evenly distributed.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
- Form the dough into a loaf shape or divide it into smaller portions to create mini Christmas loaf recipes. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Cover the dough again and allow it to rise for 30-45 minutes until it’s puffed up.
Step 7: Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the dough’s surface with egg yolk for an elegant golden sheen and add touches of pearl sugar or powdered sugar for extra flair.
- Bake a full-sized loaf in 30 to 35 minutes or 20 to 25 for mini loaves, depending on its shape. Bread should make an audible hollow sound when tapped on its underside.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
- Once baked, transfer the bread onto a wire rack to cool before cutting into slices and serving.
Customization Options
- Flavor Variations: Swap out the candied orange peel for mini chocolate chips or swap dried cranberries for cherries.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use almond milk and dairy-free butter for a lactose-free version. Switch out all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour blend when creating gluten-free Christmas bread recipes.
- Mini Christmas Loaf Recipes: Separate the dough into small loaf tins to create adorable individual servings—perfect for gifting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown for a single slice (based on a 12-slice loaf):
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that nutritional values might vary depending on ingredient substitutions or portion sizes.
Recipe Card
Festive Christmas Bread Recipes
Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings
———-|———–|———-
15 min | 30 min | 12 slices
Ingredients:
[List of ingredients above]
Instructions:
[Steps provided above]
Save this card for easy reference. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram with #FestiveBakes!
FAQs Section
Can a bread maker be used in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Many bread makers allow you to combine the ingredients and have the machine handle the mixing, kneading, and even baking—perfect for those looking for holiday bread maker recipes.
How long does Christmas bread stay fresh?
- Keep the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
Can I freeze the dough for later?
- Yes! After your dough has had time to rise for its initial rise, form it, wrap it tight, and freeze it. Thaw overnight in the fridge before proceeding as directed with baking.
What’s the best way to gift this bread?
- Making mini Christmas loaf recipes is ideal for gifting. Wrap each loaf in parchment paper, tie it with festive ribbon, and include a small note with serving tips!
Related Recipes
If you loved this Christmas loaf, you’ll enjoy:
- Spiced Gingerbread Muffins
- Italian Panettone Bread
- Classic Holiday Cinnamon Rolls
Create Your Perfect Christmas Loaf Today
Nothing says holiday magic quite like the sight (and smell) of freshly baked bread. This easy Christmas bread recipes brings together festive flavors and beginner-friendly steps, making it ideal for anyone wanting to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you customize it for dietary preferences or bake it into adorable single servings, this bread is guaranteed to impress.
Now it’s time to give it a go! If you’re looking for more holiday bread recipes, be sure to check out our blog for festive inspiration. Happy baking!