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Festive Christmas Bread

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This Festive Christmas Bread is a soft, buttery, and lightly sweet holiday loaf filled with warm spices, candied fruit, and a touch of citrus zest. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting during the holidays!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1/2 cup mixed candied fruit or dried fruit (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  • 1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest.
  • 3. Add butter, eggs, vanilla, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  • 4. Knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  • 5. Gently knead in candied fruit and nuts.
  • 6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
  • 7. Punch down the dough, shape into a round or braided loaf, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • 8. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
  • 9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
  • 10. Brush warm bread with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute candied fruit with raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apricots.
  • For a festive touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
  • Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: festive christmas bread, holiday loaf, sweet bread, candied fruit bread

Find it online: https://dishfoody.com/festive-christmas-bread-recipe/