Festive Christmas Bread: Easy Recipe in 5 Simple Steps
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Festive Christmas Bread
- 2. Why You’ll Adore This Easy Festive Christmas Bread Recipe
- 3. Essential Ingredients for Your Christmas Bread
- 4. How to Make Festive Christmas Bread: Easy Recipe in 5 Simple Steps
- 5. Tips & Tricks for the Best Christmas Bread
- 6. Serving and Storage Suggestions
- 7. Festive Christmas Bread Recipe Card
- Foire Aux Questions
1. Introduction: Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Festive Christmas Bread
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home during the holidays. This year, create a new tradition with our spectacular festive Christmas Bread recipe. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece that tastes as incredible as it looks, with a soft, enriched dough swirled with warm spices and sweet fruit. Perfect for Christmas morning breakfast or as a delightful gift, this bread embodies the warmth and joy of the season.
This easy bread recipe is designed for bakers of all skill levels. We’ll walk you through every step, from activating the yeast to glazing the beautiful final loaf. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a delicious piece of edible art that will become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations. Let’s get baking!
2. Why You’ll Adore This Easy Festive Christmas Bread Recipe
This isn’t just another bread recipe; it’s a celebration in a loaf! One of the best things about this festive Christmas bread is its incredible versatility and stunning appearance. The beautiful star or wreath shape makes it an instant centerpiece for your holiday table, drawing oohs and aahs before anyone even takes a bite.
Beyond its looks, this holiday recipe is wonderfully simple to follow. The dough is forgiving and a joy to work with, making it a fantastic project for a cozy winter afternoon. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried cranberries creates a flavor profile that is quintessentially Christmas. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and comforting.
3. Essential Ingredients for Your Christmas Bread
Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step to a perfect loaf. Here’s what you’ll need to create this holiday masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of these are probably already in your pantry!
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- Optional: Sliced almonds or pearl sugar for decoration
4. How to Make Festive Christmas Bread: Easy Recipe in 5 Simple Steps
Ready to create your masterpiece? Follow these simple steps for a perfect loaf every time. We’ve broken it down to ensure a fun and successful baking experience.
4.1. Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This process is called “proofing” and ensures your yeast is active. For more information on yeast, King Arthur Baking has an excellent guide.
- In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the foamy yeast mixture, warm water, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes (or with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4.2. Step 2: Shaping Your Festive Bread
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture over the butter, followed by the dried fruit.
- Tightly roll the dough up from the long side to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log in half lengthwise, leaving about an inch connected at one end.
- Carefully twist the two halves over each other, keeping the cut sides facing up to expose the beautiful layers. Form the twisted rope into a circle or wreath shape, pinching the ends together to seal.
4.3. Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection
- Carefully transfer the shaped wreath to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it loosely with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes in a warm spot.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the risen bread with the beaten egg wash. This will give it a beautiful, shiny golden-brown crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
4.4. Step 4: Adding the Final Touches
- Let the bread cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to create a simple glaze. Adjust the milk quantity to reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled bread. If desired, sprinkle with sliced almonds or pearl sugar while the glaze is still wet. Your homemade bread is now ready to be admired and devoured!
5. Tips & Tricks for the Best Christmas Bread
A few expert tips can elevate your Christmas baking from good to absolutely unforgettable. Pay attention to your dough’s texture; it should be soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
Don’t rush the rising process! A slow, steady rise in a warm, draft-free spot develops the best flavor. And for an extra festive touch, consider adding a bit of orange or lemon zest to the dough or filling for a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the spices. If you love this recipe, you’ll love our other holiday treats. See others recipes here
6. Serving and Storage Suggestions
This festive Christmas bread is best enjoyed the day it’s made, especially when it’s still slightly warm. It’s delicious on its own, but a little smear of butter takes it to the next level. Serve it with coffee or hot cocoa for a perfect holiday breakfast or brunch.
To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to a month; simply wrap it well and thaw at room temperature before serving.
7. Festive Christmas Bread Recipe Card
A beautiful, pull-apart bread with swirls of cinnamon, sugar, and dried fruit, perfect for any holiday gathering. A true showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yields: 1 large loaf (12-16 servings)
Follow the detailed instructions in section 4 for a step-by-step guide to creating this incredible bread. Enjoy the process and the delicious results of your beautiful festive Christmas bread!
Foire Aux Questions
Can I make this festive Christmas bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it, and let it do its second rise in the refrigerator overnight. Cover the shaped loaf tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to 12 hours. The next day, let it sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. This is a great way to save time on Christmas morning!
What other fillings can I use in this bread?
This recipe is very versatile! Instead of dried fruit, you could use chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, chocolate chips, or even a cream cheese-based filling. For a different flavor profile, try using a mix of cardamom and orange zest in your filling. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite holiday flavors.
How can I store leftover Christmas bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the entire loaf or individual slices. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.