Description
Festive Christmas Bread is a delightful, aromatic treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to your holiday gatherings. With its golden crust and buttery, spiced interior, it’s perfect for sharing at breakfast or as a special addition to festive dinners. This bread not only fills your home with the inviting scents of cinnamon and nutmeg but also creates cherished memories with loved ones. Get ready to indulge in a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary holiday tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped nuts or dried fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a saucepan until it reaches about 110°F. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture; mix well. Gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough gently, shape it as desired (braided or round), and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire racks before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Ensure yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for unique flavors. Serve warm with butter, jam, or alongside spiced hot chocolate.