Indulge in the warmth of the holiday season with our delightful Christmas bread recipe. This sweet, fragrant loaf is perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a cherished tradition at your festive gatherings. Whether served fresh from the oven or toasted with butter, this Christmas bread is a treat you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk, warmed
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or candied citrus)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 12 servings. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with a cooking time of 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 slice): Calories: 220, Protein: 3g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fat: 10g, Fiber: 1g. This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture to the flour.
4. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes on a floured surface.
5. Incorporate dried fruit and cinnamon into the dough, mixing well.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl.
7. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf.
10. Place the loaf in a greased bread pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Additionally, feel free to replace dried fruit with chocolate chips or nuts for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
Serve this Christmas bread warm with butter, or pair it with a hot cup of cocoa or tea. It also makes an excellent base for French toast or as a delightful addition to a holiday brunch spread.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a zip-top bag. To reheat, simply toast or warm in the oven until heated through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not letting the yeast activate: Always ensure the yeast is frothy before mixing.
- Over-kneading the dough: Knead until smooth, but avoid overdoing it.
- Using cold ingredients: Warm ingredients help the dough rise better.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for best results.
- Skipping the second rise: This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
- Brush the top with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar after baking for a festive touch.
- Experiment with different dried fruits for variety.
FAQs
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
How should I store the bread?
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts make a great addition. Just mix them in with the dried fruit.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works best, but you can use bread flour for a chewier texture.
Conclusion
This Christmas bread recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a wonderful way to bring people together during the holiday season. Its delightful flavors and festive presentation will surely make it a favorite at your holiday gatherings. Enjoy the warmth and joy it brings to your celebrations!

Christmas Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk warmed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup dried fruit raisins, cranberries, or candied citrus
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture to the flour.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes on a floured surface.
- Incorporate dried fruit and cinnamon into the dough, mixing well.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased bread pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.