Festive Christmas Bread

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s one thing that always brings people together in the kitchen: baking. This Festive Christmas Bread is more than just a loaf; it’s a symbol of warmth, celebration, and tradition. Soft, slightly sweet, and full of cozy seasonal spices, this bread makes the perfect addition to your holiday table.

Decorated with sugar, fruits, and a light glaze, this bread feels as magical as the season itself. Whether you’re enjoying it with morning coffee or serving it after Christmas dinner, this recipe brings festive cheer in every slice. It’s also a fantastic homemade gift for loved ones who appreciate a touch of holiday sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Christmas Bread

This bread combines everything we love about the holidays: comforting aromas, vibrant decorations, and a soft, satisfying bite. It’s not too rich, making it perfect for breakfast or snacking. And the best part? It keeps well, so you can bake it ahead for easy holiday planning. Plus, it’s customizable—add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to suit your mood.

What Kind of Dough Works Best for Christmas Bread?

A rich, yeasted dough that incorporates eggs, butter, and milk is ideal. This gives the bread a tender, cake-like texture without being too dense. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, allowing it to rise beautifully and hold in all those festive mix-ins.

Ingredients for the Festive Christmas Bread

Making this bread feels like a holiday ritual in itself. You’ll love how your kitchen smells as it bakes.

All-purpose flour is the base, providing structure and softness.

Granulated sugar adds the right level of sweetness.

Active dry yeast helps the dough rise and gives the bread its light texture.

Whole milk makes the crumb rich and tender.

Unsalted butter gives flavor and moisture.

Eggs help bind the dough and enrich its texture.

Salt enhances all the other flavors.

Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice.

Dried cranberries and chopped nuts add holiday color and crunch.

Powdered sugar and milk for a simple glaze that finishes the bread beautifully.

How To Make the Festive Christmas Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk slightly and stir in the active dry yeast with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy—this means your yeast is alive and ready.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and spices. Add in the activated yeast, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let it Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Add the Mix-Ins

Once the dough has risen, gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped nuts. Shape it into a round or braided loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

Once slightly cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Sprinkle with festive sugar or more chopped nuts.

How to Serve and Store Your Christmas Bread

This bread feeds about 8 to 10 people, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve it sliced with a pat of butter or cream cheese, or simply enjoy it as-is with a warm drink. To store, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to three days or can be frozen for a month.

What to Serve With Festive Christmas Bread?

Hot Cocoa

Pair it with rich, homemade hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.

Spiced Apple Cider

Warm, spicy cider highlights the seasonal flavors in the bread.

Creamy Eggnog

This traditional drink complements the sweet, spiced notes of the loaf.

Fresh Berries

A side of fresh fruit adds a bright, juicy contrast.

Whipped Butter

Lightly sweetened whipped butter takes each bite to the next level.

Brie or Cream Cheese

A slice of soft cheese adds a creamy, savory balance.

Christmas Jam

Strawberry or raspberry jam with a touch of spice makes it feel even more festive.

Want More Holiday Bread Ideas?

If you love this festive Christmas bread, you might enjoy exploring other seasonal favorites too:

• Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling

• Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread

• Italian Ricotta Easter Bread

• Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Warm and Cozy Apple Crisp

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can bake it year after year.

And when you try it, drop a comment! Did you go classic with cranberries, or add a little white chocolate? Maybe you topped it with crushed candy canes? I love hearing about your unique holiday spins.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and cozy bakes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new favorite seasonal treats!

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want a quiet breakfast treat by the tree, this Festive Christmas Bread brings joy and comfort to every bite. It’s simple, customizable, and totally celebratory. Start a new tradition and bake a loaf this season—you might find it becomes a family favorite.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?