Christmas Bread

Ever wish your kitchen could smell like the holidays without spending all day baking? Christmas bread is that cozy, lightly sweet loaf that fills the house with warm spice and citrus while still being simple enough for a regular afternoon. It’s soft inside, golden on top, and just sweet enough to feel special without turning into dessert. I like to mix the dough while the oven preheats and let the scent of orange zest and cinnamon slowly drift through the house. Whether you serve it at brunch, after dinner, or with coffee on a cold night, this bread fits right in.

Christmas Bread

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Looking for something festive but not fussy? This christmas bread brings all the holiday comfort without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. The texture is tender and slightly rich, with pops of dried fruit and a gentle sweetness that works for breakfast or dessert.
Trying to bake on a budget this season? The ingredients are simple pantry staples, and you can adjust the dried fruit based on what you already have. It’s freezer-friendly, which makes it perfect for planning ahead.
Need something crowd-pleasing? This loaf slices beautifully and feels cozy on any table, from quiet family mornings to busy holiday gatherings. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to save and make again next year.

Christmas Bread

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for 2 people, use about 1 ¾ cups; for more than 4, increase in equal amounts)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • â…“ cup granulated sugar
Christmas Bread

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Worried about working with yeast? In a large bowl, mix warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until slightly foamy. Stir in melted butter, eggs, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt until combined.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Not sure when to add the flour? Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. For 2 people, knead a smaller batch slightly less.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Concerned about fruit sinking? Gently knead the dried fruit into the dough once it’s smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Wondering how to shape it? Punch down the dough and shape into a round or loaf. Place on a lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise 30 minutes. Brush with milk and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Need something you can prep without stress? The dough can rise while you handle other things around the house, and the baking time is hands-off. This christmas bread slices well for breakfast the next day and freezes beautifully, so you can bake now and enjoy later.

Tips & Tricks

  • Wondering why your bread feels dense? Make sure the yeast mixture gets slightly foamy before adding flour. If it doesn’t, the yeast may be too old. When halving for 2 people, use half a packet of yeast carefully measured. For larger batches, use fresh yeast for best rise.
  • Afraid of overbaking? Check the loaf at 30 minutes by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow. Smaller loaves for 2 people bake a few minutes faster. Bigger loaves for gatherings may need an extra 5–10 minutes, so watch the color closely.
  • Struggling with sticky dough? Add flour one tablespoon at a time while kneading, but don’t overdo it. The dough should feel soft, not dry. When doubling the recipe for more than 4 people, resist the urge to dump flour in all at once.
  • Want even fruit distribution? Toss dried fruit lightly in a bit of flour before kneading it in. For smaller portions, reduce fruit evenly so every slice still has a good mix. For larger loaves, increase fruit gradually to keep balance.

Variations

Meaty version:Looking for a richer version? Add ½ cup chopped cooked bacon or diced ham for a slightly savory-sweet twist. Keep the same dough base and adjust quantities evenly if cooking for 2 or doubling for a larger holiday brunch.

Vegetarian option:Prefer a vegetarian-friendly change? This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can swap dried fruit for chopped nuts and chocolate chips for a different texture. Adjust add-ins proportionally if making a smaller or larger loaf.

Ingredient swap: Out of orange zest? Lemon zest works beautifully and gives a brighter flavor. You can also use a splash of vanilla instead. Keep the measurements balanced if halving for 2 or increasing for more than 4 servings.

Flavor or herb boost: Want more spice? Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or a pinch of ground cloves for deeper holiday warmth. When scaling the recipe, increase spices gently so the flavor stays cozy, not overpowering.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Soft Butter and Honey
    Thinking about a simple presentation? Slice the bread slightly warm and spread with soft butter and a drizzle of honey. For smaller households, bake a half loaf and enjoy fresh slices over two days. For guests, serve on a wooden board for easy sharing.
  • Holiday Breakfast Plate
    Planning a cozy breakfast? Pair slices with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. The mild sweetness balances savory dishes nicely. If serving more than 4 people, bake two loaves and slice just before serving to keep everything soft.
  • Afternoon Coffee Break
    Want a quiet afternoon treat? Toast a slice lightly and serve with coffee or tea. For 2 people, freeze half the loaf so it stays fresh. For larger groups, pre-slice and warm in the oven before serving.
  • Festive Dessert Twist
    Craving something sweeter? Spread slices with cream cheese and a dusting of powdered sugar. When hosting a crowd, arrange slices on a platter and let everyone build their own.

Storage Instructions


  • Fridge Storage
    Wondering how long it stays fresh? Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you made a smaller loaf for 2 people, use within 3 days for best texture.

  • Reheating
    Concerned about dryness? Warm slices in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes or toast lightly. Larger portions may need a few extra minutes. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can make the bread chewy.

  • Freezing
    Want to freeze it? Slice the bread first, then wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For small households, freeze in 2-slice bundles. For bigger families, freeze full loaves and thaw overnight.

  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Trying to plan ahead? Prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next day, bring to room temperature, shape, and bake. This works well whether making half a batch or doubling for guests.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time:20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Rest Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time:2 hours 25 minutes

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1 slice, based on 4 servings):
Calories: 320–360
Protein: 8–10g
Contains iron and small amounts of calcium

FAQs

Yes, bake it the day before and store tightly wrapped. Warm slightly before serving.

Your yeast may be old or the liquid too hot. Make sure it’s warm, not hot.

You can replace up to half the flour. The texture will be slightly denser.

It may have overcooked before baking. Slightly undercook next time.

Conclusion

Want a holiday bake that feels special but still manageable? Christmas bread is one of those simple recipes that brings warmth to the table without adding stress to your day. You can keep it classic, add your own twist, or scale it for a small family dinner or a larger gathering. The texture, the gentle spice, and the soft crumb make it something you’ll look forward to each year. Once you bake it and slice into that golden loaf, your kitchen will feel a little more festive and a lot more cozy.

Christmas Bread
Print

Christmas Bread

Recipe by admin
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

: 320–360

kcal

A soft, lightly sweet holiday bread filled with dried fruit and warm spice. Perfect for breakfast, coffee breaks, or festive gatherings. Simple ingredients and easy steps make it great for home bakers.

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (use 1 ¾ cups for 2 people; double for 8)

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

  • ½ cup warm milk

  • ¼ cup warm water

  • â…“ cup sugar

  • ¼ cup melted butter

  • 2 eggs

  • ¾ cup mixed dried fruit

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)

Directions

  • In a bowl, mix warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until slightly foamy.
  • Stir in melted butter, eggs, zest, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add flour and knead 8 minutes until smooth.
  • Knead in dried fruit. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
  • Shape into a loaf, let rise 30 minutes, brush with milk, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden.

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