Christmas is a time for joy, family, and delicious food. This Christmas bread recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday table, featuring a soft, sweet dough enriched with warm spices and dried fruits. Its beautiful presentation and festive flavors will surely impress your guests, making it a cherished tradition for years to come.
Ingredients
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup milk, warm
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (like raisins and cranberries)
– Zest of 1 orange
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12 servings. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 40 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving contains approximately 230 calories, 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, 8g fat, and 150mg sodium.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
- Add softened butter, eggs, and orange zest to the yeast mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the dried fruits into the dough.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Additionally, swap out dried fruits for nuts or chocolate chips based on your preference.
Serving and Pairings
This festive bread pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve it alongside hot cocoa or mulled wine for a perfect holiday treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold milk can hinder yeast activation.
- Not kneading enough can result in a dense loaf.
- Over-proofing the dough may cause it to collapse.
- Underbaking can lead to a doughy center.
- Skipping the zest can reduce flavor complexity.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
- Measure flour accurately to avoid a dry dough.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
- Experiment with spices like cardamom for unique flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
What can I do with leftover bread?
Leftover bread can be made into French toast or bread pudding, ensuring none goes to waste.
Is this bread suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the bread?
Yes, feel free to reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread.
What type of flour works best?
All-purpose flour is ideal, but you can use bread flour for a chewier texture.
Conclusion
This Christmas bread recipe is a delightful and festive addition to your holiday celebrations. Easy to make and deliciously satisfying, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the warmth and joy it brings to your table this holiday season.
Christmas Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup warm milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
- Add softened butter, eggs, and orange zest to the yeast mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the dried fruits into the dough.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
