Description
Festive Christmas Bread is the ultimate holiday treat, blending a soft, sweet dough with cozy spices, cranberries, and nuts. Perfect for brunch or dessert, this easy Christmas bread recipe brings holiday cheer to every bite. Great for gifting or festive mornings.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
⅓ cup granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Warm the milk until lukewarm and stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Mix and knead until soft and elastic.
3. Cover the dough in a greased bowl and let rise 1 to 2 hours until doubled.
4. Gently fold in cranberries and nuts, then shape into a loaf or braid and place on parchment-lined sheet.
5. Let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
6. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
7. Cool slightly, then drizzle glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top. Decorate with more nuts or festive sugar.
Notes
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
Use a stand mixer for easier kneading if desired.
Customize with chocolate chips, orange zest, or chopped candied ginger.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg