why make this recipe
Festive Christmas Bread is a delicious and joyful treat that brings warmth and cheer to your holiday celebrations. Its sweet aroma of spices and fruit fills your home, making it a perfect addition to your festive gatherings. Not only does it taste great, but it also offers a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends as you bake and create memories together. This bread is also versatile; you can enjoy it for breakfast, with tea or coffee, or as a delightful dessert.
how to make Festive Christmas Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, or mixed fruit)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate the dried fruit and nuts.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased bread pan and allow it to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
how to serve Festive Christmas Bread
Festive Christmas Bread is delightful when served warm, fresh out of the oven. You can enjoy it plain or spread with butter for an extra touch of richness. It also pairs well with cream cheese or your favorite fruit preserves. For a special holiday treat, toast slices and sprinkle them with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
how to store Festive Christmas Bread
To store your Festive Christmas Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster.
tips to make Festive Christmas Bread
- Measure accurately: Use the spoon and level method to ensure precise measurements for your flour.
- Don’t rush the rising time: Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size. This is key to getting a fluffy bread.
- Add more spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. A pinch of ginger or cloves can add a nice touch.
- Experiment with fillings: You can add chocolate chips or different kinds of dried fruits and nuts to make it unique.
variation
You can make a savory version of this bread by omitting the sugar and spices. Instead, add herbs and cheese to the dough for a delicious treat that can be served with meals.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser bread. You might also consider mixing it with all-purpose flour.
2. What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and check that the milk is not too hot or cold, as this can kill the yeast.
3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape it and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake it the next day for fresh bread.
Festive Christmas Bread
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and joyful treat that enhances holiday celebrations with its sweet aroma and delightfully spiced flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, or mixed fruit)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate the dried fruit and nuts.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased bread pan and allow it to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Serve warm with butter, cream cheese, or fruit preserves. Can also be toasted with powdered sugar for a special treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg