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Festive Christmas Bread

A delightful bread packed with rich flavors and warm spices, perfect for Christmas celebrations and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour For best results, use a high-quality flour; King Arthur is a reliable brand.
  • 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) Instant yeast is best for this recipe, as it requires no proofing.
  • 1/4 cup sugar Feel free to substitute with honey or agave syrup for a healthier twist.
  • 1 teaspoon salt A must for flavor balance.
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) Ensure it’s warm, not hot, to keep the yeast happy.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness of your bread.
  • 2 large eggs Bring them to room temperature for better incorporation.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract It enhances the sweetness—don’t skip this!
  • 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, cherries, etc.) You can also use candied citrus peel or figs for a festive twist.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Ground cinnamon offers warmth and holiday tradition.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg A hint of nutmeg makes all the difference in flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in your dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
  5. Gently fold in your mixed dried fruit and knead until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm space for about 1 hour.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while your dough is rising.
  8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
  9. Cover the shaped loaf with the towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  10. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  11. Let your bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Keep your bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. It will last at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for 2-3 months.