Why You’ll Love This Christmas Bread
Christmas Bread is warm, soft, and full of good things like dried fruit and nuts. It smells like cinnamon and butter when it bakes. People love it at the table because it looks bright and tastes like a holiday treat. The dough is simple, and the steps are clear. You do not need hard skills to make it. This bread feels special but stays easy enough for home cooks and beginners.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a homemade bread that fills the house with a nice smell. It makes a good gift in a wrapped box or on a plate. You can serve it hot or at room temperature. The recipe uses common pantry items. You can change the fruit or nuts to match what you have. It gives a gentle sweet taste without being too rich. You will enjoy the warm texture and the small bursts of fruit in each bite.
What You Need for Christmas Bread
You need a few simple tools and the ingredients below. Tools: a mixing bowl, a measuring cup and spoons, a spoon or spatula, a clean surface for kneading, a loaf pan, and a brush for the egg wash. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use that to save time, but you can also mix and knead by hand. Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, so you do not hurt the yeast.
How to Make Christmas Bread
Follow these steps to make the bread from start to finish. Read each step before you start so you feel ready.
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup warm milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 packet active dry yeast, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.), 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Incorporate dried fruit and nuts.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Brush the top with egg wash.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
This list gives step by step actions. Start with the warm milk and yeast so your dough can rise well. Keep your hands and countertop lightly floured when kneading to stop sticking. When you add the fruit and nuts, fold them in so they spread evenly. After the first rise, you will see the dough almost double. That is the sign it is ready. After baking, let it cool so the slices keep their shape.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Bread
Serve this bread warm with a thin layer of butter or cream cheese for a soft taste. It also goes well with tea or coffee in the morning. For a sweet touch, serve slices with honey or a light glaze. If you plan a holiday meal, place a loaf on the table so people can slice their own piece. For a simple dessert, toast a slice and top it with a little mascarpone or whipped cream.
You can also pair the bread with fruit preserves or a slice of sharp cheese. For a family breakfast, slice it and serve with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. For a snack, cut into small squares and pack in a box for guests. If you want an idea like this bread but with baked fruit, see this apple zucchini bread recipe for another home-baked favorite.
How to Store Christmas Bread
Keep the bread in a cool, dry place. Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed bag to keep it soft. If you will eat it within two days, you can leave it at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze slices in a sealed bag; take out slices as you need them and toast them from frozen. To warm frozen slices, use a toaster or a low oven until you see steam.
If you do not want to freeze the whole loaf, slice it first and freeze single slices. That way you thaw only what you need. If your kitchen is very humid, keep the bread in the fridge for up to a week, but note the fridge can dry bread faster. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Easy Tips to Make Christmas Bread
- Use warm milk, around 105–115°F (40–46°C). If milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast.
- Let the yeast foam fully before you mix it into the dough. This step tells you the yeast is alive.
- Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly springy. Good gluten helps the loaf rise well.
- Add the dried fruit and nuts toward the end of kneading so they do not break into small pieces.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place. If your kitchen is cool, set the bowl in an oven with the light on to keep the heat gentle.
- Brush with egg wash for a shiny, golden top.
- Check the bread near the end of baking. If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil.
These small tips make a big difference in texture and taste. They keep the bread soft and full of flavor.
Try These Variations of Christmas Bread
You can change the recipe a little to make different flavors. Try these ideas:
- Swap the mixed dried fruit for candied peel and apricots for a classic holiday taste.
- Use orange zest and a little orange juice in the dough for a fresh citrus note.
- Add 1/4 cup honey and reduce sugar a bit for a softer sweet.
- Use almond extract or vanilla instead of or with cinnamon.
- Make small rolls instead of one loaf for easy sharing.
- Replace nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a different crunch.
Each change gives the bread a new feel. Try one small change at a time so you can learn how the bread shifts.
Common Questions About Christmas Bread (Minimum 3 FAQs)
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use the same amount of instant yeast. Mix it with the dry flour and follow the rest of the steps. It may rise a bit faster, so watch the dough.
Q: Can I make this bread without eggs?
A: You can. Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water). The texture may change slightly.
Q: How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
A: The top will be golden brown. Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer — it should read about 190–200°F (88–93°C).
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
A: Fresh fruit has more water and can change the dough texture. If you use fresh fruit, chop it small, and roll it in a little flour first to reduce extra moisture. Expect a different crumb and taste.
Q: Is this bread good for gift giving?
A: Yes. Wrap cooled slices in parchment and tie with a ribbon. Add a note with storage tips so the recipient enjoys it fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Bread recipe keeps things simple and kind. It uses easy steps and common ingredients. You get a warm loaf with cinnamon, fruit, and nuts. It fills your home with a nice smell and gives you a special bread for the holidays. Make it for a family meal, a gift, or a cozy morning. With small swaps, you can create many versions. The recipe is friendly for beginners and helpful for cooks who want a reliable holiday bread.
Conclusion
If you want more holiday bread ideas to try after this one, check this helpful list of festive recipes for inspiration: 13 Holiday Breads to Bake Your Season Bright | Epicurious.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients and set aside about two and a half hours for active time and rising. Follow the steps, use the tips, and enjoy the warm bread with family or friends. If you like fruit in your bread, you might also enjoy this apple cinnamon bread recipe which uses similar home-style methods and simple ingredients. Happy baking!
Print
Christmas Bread
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, soft bread filled with dried fruit and nuts, and infused with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and butter. Perfect for holiday gatherings and gift giving.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Incorporate dried fruit and nuts.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Brush the top with egg wash.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure your milk is warm, not hot, and let the yeast foam fully before mixing it into the dough. You can change the dried fruit or nuts based on availability.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg