A Warm Holiday Loaf to Share
This Christmas Bread is a soft, spiced loaf with dried fruit and nuts. It makes the house smell like the holidays. It is easy to make and great for gifts or a family breakfast. If you enjoy creative holiday breads, take a look at this festive pull-apart idea: festive pull-apart bread.
Why This Bread Is Worth Baking
You’ll love this bread because it’s simple and comforting. It uses common ingredients, needs only one main rise, and works as a loaf or braid. The dried fruit and warm spices make it feel special without extra fuss.
Step-by-step: How to Make Christmas Bread
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Stir in dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf or braid, and place in a greased loaf pan.
- Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool before slicing and enjoy!
What You Need (Ingredients)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or currants)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
How to Serve Your Christmas Bread
Slice the bread thin or thick while it’s cool. Serve plain, or spread with butter, cream cheese, or jam. For a party, arrange slices on a platter with cheese and fruit. If you want a warm, quick variation, toast slices lightly before serving — it brings out the spice and fruit. For simple garlic-bread side ideas, see this air fryer garlic bread guide: air fryer garlic bread.
How to Keep It Fresh
Store the bread wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven or toaster.
Smart Tips for Better Bread
- Use warm (not hot) milk so the yeast stays active.
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off — don’t pack it.
- Add the fruits and nuts after the dough comes together so they spread evenly.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a little flour while kneading; if too dry, add a teaspoon of warm milk.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. A gently heated oven (turned off) with the light on works well.
For another quick, fun bread idea you can try with kids, check this funfetti-style recipe: fun quick bread idea.
Simple Variations to Try
- Citrus and glaze: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the dough and brush with orange glaze after baking.
- Chocolate chip: Replace dried fruit with 1 cup chocolate chips for a sweeter loaf.
- Savory twist: Omit sugar and fruit, add herbs and cheese for a savory holiday loaf.
Nutrition Snapshot (approximate per slice)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
Values vary by ingredient brands and slice size.
Family-Friendly Serving Ideas
- Make a brunch board with sliced bread, soft cheeses, fresh fruit, and warm coffee.
- Pack slices in lunchboxes with a small container of nut butter.
- Use thicker slices for bread pudding or French toast the next day.
What Pairs Well with This Bread
- Hot drinks: coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
- Spreads: salted butter, cream cheese, or orange marmalade.
- Savory sides: roasted ham or a simple egg dish for breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A: Yes. If using active dry yeast, proof it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar for 5–10 minutes until foamy before mixing with the dry ingredients.
Q: Can I make this bread in a stand mixer?
A: Absolutely. Use the dough hook on low to medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes.
Q: Can I skip the nuts or fruit?
A: Yes. The bread still bakes well plain. You can replace fruit with chocolate chips or add seeds for texture.
Q: How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
A: The top should be golden brown and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped. An internal temperature of 190–200°F (88–93°C) is ideal.
Conclusion
If you want a warm, spiced bread for the holidays, this Christmas Bread is a cozy choice. For more seasonal bread ideas and variations, you can try this Cinnamon Christmas Bread recipe, browse a list of festive loaves on Epicurious’ holiday breads, or get a colorful spin with a funfetti Christmas bread.
Christmas Bread
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk Use warm (not hot) milk for the yeast to stay active.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or currants)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) Can be omitted or replaced with chocolate chips.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Stir in dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf or braid, and place in a greased loaf pan.
- Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool before slicing and enjoy!
