Christmas Bread Recipe Made Simple & Delicious

What transforms ordinary homemade bread into treasured holiday tradition that fills your home with irresistible aromas of cinnamon, citrus, and dried fruits while creating memorable centerpiece for family gatherings without requiring professional baking experience? The answer lies in enriched sweet dough combined with festive mix-ins and beautiful braided presentation that creates stunning loaf worthy of Christmas morning tables. This christmas bread recipe proves that holiday baking becomes achievable when simple techniques meet quality ingredients and patient rising time. The breakfast recipe delivers perfect harmony where soft, buttery bread meets sweet dried fruits and warm spices, allowing each component to contribute distinct character that creates ultimate festive loaf for Christmas morning, holiday gifting, and special celebrations.

Ingredients List

For this christmas bread recipe you’ll need enriched bread dough ingredients, dried fruits, nuts, and festive spices that combine creating beautiful holiday loaf.

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Mix-Ins:

• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup candied orange peel
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds or pecans
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Timing

This christmas bread recipe requires patience for proper rising but delivers impressive results:

• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Rising time: 2-3 hours total
• Bake time: 35-40 minutes
• Total time: 3-4 hours

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In small bowl, combine warm milk (105-110°F) with 1 tablespoon sugar and sprinkle yeast over surface. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating yeast is alive and active. If mixture doesn’t foam, yeast may be dead and should be replaced before continuing with christmas bread recipe.

Step 2: Prepare Fruit Mix-Ins

While yeast activates, combine golden raisins, dried cranberries, and candied orange peel in small bowl. Pour warm water over fruit and let soak for 10 minutes to plump and soften. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could affect dough texture. Toss drained fruit with 1 tablespoon flour to prevent sinking during baking.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

In large mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook, combine remaining flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Add activated yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest. Mix on low speed until dough comes together, then increase to medium and knead for 8-10 minutes until dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 4: Add Mix-Ins and First Rise

Fold prepared dried fruits and chopped nuts into dough, kneading briefly by hand to distribute evenly throughout. Shape dough into ball and place in greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel and let rise in warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. The christmas bread recipe dough should spring back slowly when poked.

Step 5: Shape the Bread

Punch down risen dough to release air bubbles and turn onto lightly floured surface. Divide dough into three equal portions and roll each into 18-inch rope. Lay ropes side by side and pinch together at one end. Braid ropes together, pinching opposite end to secure. Transfer braided loaf to parchment-lined baking sheet, tucking ends underneath for neat appearance.

Step 6: Second Rise and Preheat

Cover shaped christmas bread recipe with plastic wrap or towel and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until noticeably puffy but not quite doubled. During final 20 minutes of rising, preheat oven to 350°F. Beat remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water to create egg wash for golden finish.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Brush risen braid gently with egg wash, taking care not to deflate delicate dough. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F when tested with instant-read thermometer. If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil during final 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

While bread cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth glaze forms. Drizzle glaze over warm christmas bread recipe in decorative zigzag pattern. Let glaze set for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional dried cranberries or sliced almonds if desired for beautiful presentation.

Nutritional Information

For a serving of this christmas bread recipe, you’ll receive festive breakfast bread with these approximate values per slice:

• Calories: 285 per slice
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugars: 18g
• Total fat: 9g
• Saturated fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Iron: 10% daily value
• Calcium: 4% daily value
• Vitamin A: 6% daily value

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform your christmas bread recipe into a lighter version with these modifications that reduce sugar and boost nutrition:

• Whole wheat flour: Replace half all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber
• Reduced sugar: Cut granulated sugar to 1/3 cup and rely on dried fruit for natural sweetness
• Greek yogurt: Substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt for protein boost and moisture
• Unsweetened dried fruit: Use unsweetened dried cranberries and raisins to reduce sugar content
• Honey glaze: Replace powdered sugar glaze with thin honey drizzle for less refined sugar
• Nut increase: Double chopped nuts for more protein and healthy fats per serving
• Applesauce addition: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for reduced fat
• Egg whites: Use 2 whole eggs plus 2 egg whites instead of 3 whole eggs for less cholesterol
• Skip the glaze: Omit sweet glaze entirely and dust with powdered sugar for lighter finish

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your christmas bread recipe experience with these creative presentation ideas that enhance holiday atmosphere:

• Serve the christmas bread recipe warm with softened butter and honey for Christmas morning breakfast
• Present on festive holiday platter with fresh berries and mint sprigs for elegant brunch display
• Toast slices and spread with cream cheese or mascarpone for indulgent breakfast treat
• Pair with hot coffee, tea, or christmas chai latte for complete cozy morning experience
• Slice and serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for full holiday breakfast spread
• Gift beautifully wrapped loaves to neighbors and friends as homemade holiday presents
• Use day-old bread for decadent French toast or bread pudding dessert
• Present on wooden cutting board with sharp bread knife for rustic tableside slicing
• Serve alongside fresh fruit salad and yogurt parfaits for balanced Christmas brunch

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Master this christmas bread recipe by avoiding these pitfalls that compromise texture and rise:

• Dead yeast: Using expired or improperly stored yeast results in dense, flat bread that won’t rise
• Wrong milk temperature: Too hot milk kills yeast while too cold won’t activate it properly
• Insufficient kneading: Under-kneaded dough lacks gluten development for proper structure and texture
• Wet fruit addition: Adding undrained soaked fruit makes dough too wet and affects final texture
• Cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs and butter incorporate better into dough
• Rushing the rise: Impatient bakers who skip proper rising time get dense, heavy bread
• Hot environment: Rising dough in too-warm location causes uneven texture and yeasty taste
• Overbaking: Bread baked too long becomes dry and crumbly rather than soft and tender
• Cutting too soon: Slicing bread before adequate cooling causes gummy, compressed interior

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Preserve the freshness of your christmas bread recipe with these strategies that maintain quality:

• Room temperature storage: Store cooled bread wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature up to 3 days
• Bread box: Keep in bread box or paper bag for crusty exterior with soft interior
• Avoid refrigeration: Refrigerating bread accelerates staling and creates dry texture
• Freezing option: Wrap unglazed bread tightly in plastic wrap then foil, freeze up to 3 months
• Slice before freezing: Freeze individual slices for convenient single-serving portions
• Thawing method: Thaw frozen bread at room temperature or warm briefly in 300°F oven
• Refreshing stale bread: Sprinkle with water and warm in 350°F oven for 10 minutes to revive
• Glaze timing: Add glaze only before serving if storing, as glaze becomes sticky over time
• Gift preparation: Bake bread 1-2 days before gifting and wrap well for optimal freshness

Conclusion

This christmas bread recipe combines enriched sweet dough with festive dried fruits, warm spices, and beautiful braided presentation, creating stunning holiday loaf through patient rising and careful baking. Whether serving Christmas morning or gifting to loved ones, this bread delivers tradition and warmth that makes holiday season memorable.

Ready to start a new holiday tradition? Try this christmas bread recipe and share your experience in the review section or leave a comment on our blog!

FAQs

Can I make christmas bread recipe dough ahead of time? Yes, prepare dough through first rise, punch down, wrap tightly, and refrigerate overnight; bring to room temperature before shaping and second rise.

Why didn’t my bread rise properly? Most likely causes are dead yeast, milk too hot or cold, or rising environment too cool; ensure yeast foams before proceeding.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry? Yes, instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients without activating; reduce amount by 25% from recipe.

What if I don’t have candied orange peel? Substitute with additional dried cranberries, golden raisins, or chopped dried apricots for similar festive appearance.

How do I know when christmas bread recipe is fully baked? Internal temperature should reach 190°F, bread sounds hollow when tapped on bottom, and crust is deep golden brown.

Can I make this christmas bread recipe without a stand mixer? Absolutely, knead dough by hand on floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.

How long does homemade christmas bread stay fresh? Properly stored at room temperature, bread stays fresh 3-4 days; frozen bread maintains quality up to 3 months.