Description
This Christmas bread is a festive holiday treat filled with warm spices, dried fruits, and crunchy nuts. It’s easy to make, soft and flavorful, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- In a bowl, pour 1 cup of warm milk (110°F/43°C). Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Add 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 2 eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, mix 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, then fold in 1/2 cup dried fruit and 1/2 cup chopped nuts, distributing evenly.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Serve warm or toasted with butter.
- This bread can be stored for several days.
- Great for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Christmas Bread, Holiday Treat, Festive Bread