Celebrate the holidays with this delicious and festive Christmas bread recipe! With its soft, slightly sweet dough and vibrant flavors from dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, this bread is perfect for holiday mornings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need Christmas Bread Recipe

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

For the Filling (Optional):

• 1/2 cup chopped dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Christmas Bread Recipe

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.

2. Knead and Rest:

• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

3. Incorporate the Filling (Optional):

1. Punch down the dough and knead in the dried fruits, nuts, and orange zest.
2. Shape the dough into a round loaf, braided loaf, or divide into smaller rolls.

4. Second Rise:

• Place the shaped dough on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.

5. Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

6. Add the Glaze:

1. Mix powdered sugar, milk (or orange juice), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread.

Serving Suggestions Christmas Bread Recipe

• Enjoy with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday breakfast.
• Use as a base for French toast for an indulgent treat.

Why This Recipe Works

• Festive Flavors: Warm spices, dried fruits, and nuts make this bread perfect for Christmas.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite fillings or shape into rolls, loaves, or wreaths.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh for holiday mornings.

Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Bread

• Measure Flour Carefully: Too much flour can make the bread dense. Use the spoon-and-level method.
• Use Warm Liquid: Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Don’t Overbake: Check the bread early to avoid a dry loaf.

Storage Guidelines

• Refrigerate: Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze baked bread for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
• Reheat: Warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10 minutes before serving.