If you’re searching for a holiday baking treat that combines warmth, nostalgia, and festive charm, look no further than Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite! This irresistible bread fills your kitchen with the scent of spices, sweet dried fruits, and a hint of citrus, making it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Beyond its delicious taste, this bread is a symbol of comfort and tradition, bringing everyone together to share in the joyful spirit of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Warm and Inviting Aromas: From the first knead to the final bake, the spices and citrus zest create an irresistible scent that welcomes everyone home.
Rich, Yet Balanced Flavors: The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and a subtle sweetness offers layers of taste that delight with every bite.
Beautiful Festive Appearance: With a golden crust and colorful fruit bursts inside, this bread looks as festive as it tastes, perfect for holiday tables.
Perfect for Sharing: Its soft texture and hearty ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with morning coffee or evening tea.
Easy To Customize: Simple ingredient swaps let you tailor the bread to your family’s favorites or dietary needs, keeping it fresh year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this wonderful Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite! starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build up its delightful texture and rich flavor. From warm spices to buttery dough, these essentials combine to give you that perfect holiday bite.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure that holds all the delicious ingredients together with a tender crumb.
Yeast: Crucial for a light, airy rise that gives the bread a perfect sponginess.
Warm Milk: Activates the yeast gently while adding a creamy note.
Butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness to every slice.
Brown Sugar: Offers natural sweetness with caramel undertones, enhancing the festive flavor.
Eggs: Bring moisture, color, and stability to the dough.
Dried Fruits (raisins, cranberries, and chopped apricots): Infuse the bread with bursts of juiciness and holiday cheer.
Chopped Nuts (walnuts or pecans): Introduce a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor.
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves): Key players for that classic Christmas warmth in every bite.
Orange and Lemon Zest: Add a bright, fresh citrus zing that balances sweetness perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, tying everything together.
Vanilla Extract: A subtle depth that complements the spices and fruits beautifully.

Variations for Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite!

This Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite! recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it simple to personalize based on your taste preferences or dietary requirements. Whether you want to boost the fruitiness or add an unexpected twist, the options are delightful.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for those avoiding gluten, ensuring the bread stays soft and flavorful.
Chocolate Twist: Swap some dried fruits with dark chocolate chips to add a rich, indulgent dimension.
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs to make it fully vegan without sacrificing taste.
Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts and increase dried fruits or add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for extra texture.
Extra Spice Kick: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a more complex spice profile that surprises the palate.

Why Festive Christmas Bread Is A Cozy Holiday Favorite

How to Make Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by warming your milk until it’s comfortably warm to the touch, then stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it activate for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, spices, salt, and zest. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and melted butter with brown sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry, adding the yeast mixture as you go, to form a smooth, slightly sticky dough.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Add Fruits and Nuts

Once risen, gently deflate the dough and incorporate your dried fruits and chopped nuts evenly throughout. Be careful not to overwork the dough here—fold the additions in gently to keep that soft texture.

Step 4: Shape and Final Rise

Shape your dough into a round or loaf, depending on your baking preference, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up nicely.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. For extra shine and aroma, brush the top with melted butter right after removing the bread from the oven.

Pro Tips for Making Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite!

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother batter and better rise.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise fully creates a lighter texture and deeper flavor.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves will make a world of difference in fragrance and taste.
Brush with Butter: Brushing the bread with butter once baked keeps it moist and adds a beautiful, shiny finish.
Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick or tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow when fully baked.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite!

Garnishes

To elevate your Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite!, consider dusting the top lightly with powdered sugar or adding a glaze made of powdered sugar and citrus juice for a glossy finish. Fresh cranberries or chopped nuts sprinkled on top can add extra festivity.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with warm spreads like honey butter, cinnamon cream cheese, or even savory options like sharp cheddar cheese. Pair it with a hot cup of spiced cider, coffee, or herbal tea to amplify the cozy holiday vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices arranged on a festive platter with sprigs of rosemary or pine as garnish for a Christmas-themed display. Wrapping individual slices with a ribbon or serving alongside homemade jams and preserves makes it a thoughtful gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining its soft texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in parchment and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite! can last up to 3 months and thaw quickly for convenient holiday treats anytime.

Reheating

Warm slices in a toaster oven or wrapped in foil inside a low oven to revive the softness and aroma before serving. A quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds also works perfectly for a last-minute cozy bite.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruits?

Fresh fruits tend to add too much moisture to the dough, which can affect its texture and baking time; dried fruits work best to maintain the right consistency and flavor.

Is it necessary to knead the dough by hand?

No, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for convenience, but hand kneading allows you to feel the dough’s texture and helps develop gluten for the perfect rise.

How long will the bread stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, this bread stays fresh for about 3 days, after which refrigeration or freezing is recommended.

Can I make this bread nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the nuts or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seed to keep that delightful crunch without any allergy concerns.

What’s the best way to serve this bread cold or warm?

While it’s delicious either way, serving slightly warm enhances the flavors and texture, making every bite extra comforting during the holidays.

Final Thoughts

Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite! isn’t just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming tradition wrapped in golden crust and festive flavors. Whether baking for loved ones or creating your own seasonal ritual, this bread promises joyful moments and cozy memories. So grab your ingredients and get ready to fill your home with the sweetest scents and tastes of the holiday season—you won’t regret it!

Festive Christmas Bread – A Cozy Holiday Baking Favorite!

Print Recipe

Festive Christmas Bread is a cozy holiday baking favorite that fills your kitchen with warm spices, sweet dried fruits, and a hint of citrus. This delicious bread features a golden crust and a soft, spongy texture, making it perfect for holiday gatherings and sharing with loved ones. Its rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, combined with dried fruits, nuts, and citrus zest, bring the joyful spirit of the season to your table.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf, about 12 slices 1x
Category: Breads
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Christmas / Holiday
Diet: Adaptable (Gluten-Free option available)

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Base

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Flavorings

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lemon

Add-ins

¾ cup dried raisins
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped dried apricots
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until comfortably warm to the touch, then stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar. Allow it to activate for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and melted butter with brown sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually combine wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, adding the yeast mixture as you go, to form a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
Knead and Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until elastic and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Add Fruits and Nuts: Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it. Fold in dried raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, and nuts evenly, taking care not to overwork the dough to maintain its softness.
Shape and Final Rise: Shape the dough into a round loaf or place into a loaf pan as preferred. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the pan, cover again, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and brush the top with melted butter for a shiny, aromatic finish.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for better dough texture and rise.
Do not rush the rising periods; proper rising ensures lighter texture and richer flavor.
Use freshly ground spices for best fragrance and taste.
Brushing the baked bread with butter keeps it moist and adds a beautiful shine.
To test doneness, insert a toothpick or tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when fully baked.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 loaf)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: holiday bread, Christmas bread, festive bread, fruit and nut bread, spiced bread, cozy holiday baking, dried fruit bread