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Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite!

Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite!
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Festive Christmas Bread is a cozy holiday baking favorite infused with classic warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, bright citrus zest, and optional dried fruits or nuts. This soft, tender bread with a golden crust is easy to prepare, perfect for sharing, and customizable for various dietary needs and flavors. Ideal for holiday gatherings, it captivates with its comforting aroma and cheerful presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C; substitute plant-based milk for vegan version)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 large eggs (use 2 flax eggs for vegan adaptation)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or vegan margarine/coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Optional Ingredients

  • ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans; substitute sunflower seeds for nut-free)
  • ½ cup festive chocolate chips (as variation)
  • ½ cup finely chopped apples (for spiced apple twist)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C), then stir in the sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus zest. Beat the eggs and melted butter into the activated yeast mixture, then gradually add this liquid into the dry ingredients. Stir to form a soft dough ball. If using dried fruits or nuts, fold them in at this stage.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing gluten for a tender yet structured crumb.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl and cover with a clean towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on room temperature.
  5. Shape the Bread: Gently punch down the dough to release trapped air. Shape it into your desired form—a traditional loaf, braid, or festive ring—for an attractive holiday presentation.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rest for 30-45 minutes until it puffs up again, ensuring a light texture post-baking.
  7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Optionally brush the top with egg wash for a shiny crust. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden and sounds hollow when tapped. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

  • Measure ingredients accurately for consistent baking results.
  • Use fresh yeast and check expiration to ensure proper rise.
  • Allow full proofing during both rises for the softest crumb.
  • Lightly oil hands when kneading to prevent sticking without adding extra flour.
  • For a glossy crust, brush bread with egg wash before baking.
  • Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to suit your holiday flavor preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas bread, holiday bread, festive baking, cinnamon nutmeg bread, citrus zest bread, braided bread, holiday gift bread, gluten-free holiday bread, vegan Christmas bread

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/festive-christmas-bread-a-cozy-holiday-baking-favorite/