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A variety of festive Christmas breads including braided and sweet loaves ready for the holiday season.

Christmas Bread

A cozy, slightly sweet bread perfect for the holidays. This easy recipe yields a soft, buttery bread that is great for breakfast or dessert, filled with festive flavors.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour You can use bread flour for a chewier texture.
  • 1 cup warm milk Warm like bath water, not hot.
  • 1/2 cup sugar Adds sweetness to the bread.
  • 1/4 cup butter Must be softened to room temperature.
  • 2 large eggs Add at room temperature.
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast Make sure it is fresh.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor.
Flavor Mix-ins
  • 1 cup dried cranberries Can be replaced with other dried fruits.
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest Adds a festive citrus flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Classic warm spice.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Shaping
  1. After the first rise, punch down the dough. Shape it into a rope for a wreath or into a log for a classic loaf.
  2. For the wreath, bring the ends together and pinch to seal, twisting to make it look braided.
  3. For the loaf, place it in a greased loaf pan. Brush with egg wash if desired.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the shaped dough rise again for about 30 minutes.
  2. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.

Notes

This bread can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days. Freeze sliced bread for longer storage. Always reheat before serving.