Christmas Bread

why make this recipe

Christmas Bread is a delightful treat that brings joy to the festive season. Its soft texture and sweet flavor make it a perfect addition to holiday meals. The combination of fruits and nuts adds a special touch, and the aroma of freshly baked bread fills your home with warmth and cheer. Making this bread can also become a fun family activity, allowing everyone to participate in the holiday spirit.

how to make Christmas Bread

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins)
• 1/2 cup nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Incorporate dried fruits and nuts.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
7. Punch the dough down, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
8. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
11. Let cool before slicing. Enjoy your festive bread!

how to serve Christmas Bread

Christmas Bread can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it warm, sliced with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. You can also pair it with your favorite spreads, such as jam or cream cheese. For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.

how to store Christmas Bread

To keep your Christmas Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will last for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

tips to make Christmas Bread

• Make sure your milk is warm but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.
• Knead the dough well to develop a good texture.
• You can vary the dried fruits and nuts based on your preference.
• If you’re short on time, you can speed up the rising process by placing the dough in an oven with the light on, creating a warm environment.

Serving Ideas

Consider serving Christmas Bread alongside other holiday dishes. It pairs well with breakfast items like eggs or pastries. You can also use it for festive sandwiches or toast topped with seasonal toppings.

Final Thoughts

Baking Christmas Bread is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. This recipe is straightforward and yields a tasty result that can bring family and friends together. Enjoy the process, the smell, and, most importantly, the taste of this festive bread.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. However, the texture might be denser. You may want to mix it with some all-purpose flour for a lighter bread.

Can I add more spices to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for added flavor.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the bread a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store it properly, and you can reheat it slightly before serving to bring back its warmth and freshness.

Christmas Bread

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• Author: chahdrecipes
• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful treat with a soft texture and sweet flavor, perfect for the festive season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins)
• 1/2 cup nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Incorporate dried fruits and nuts.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
7. Punch the dough down, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
8. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
11. Let cool before slicing and enjoy your festive bread!

Notes

For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving. 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: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Baking

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 80mg