If there’s one thing that brings warmth and cheer to the holiday season, it’s the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. This Festive Christmas Bread is a stunning centerpiece and a delicious tradition all in one—soft, golden, and lightly sweet, swirled or studded with dried fruit, nuts, and warm holiday spices. It’s the perfect bake to share with family and friends over coffee, breakfast, or dessert.
I first made this bread one Christmas morning, and it instantly became part of our family tradition. Once, I drizzled it with a simple vanilla glaze and added a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for color—it looked as good as it tasted. Whether you shape it into a wreath, braid, or loaf, this bread will fill your home with cozy holiday aroma and your table with festive charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Festive Christmas Bread is soft, rich, and bursting with the flavors of the season. The dough is tender and buttery, infused with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, while the filling (or mix-ins) of dried fruit and nuts adds sweetness and texture. It’s impressive to look at but surprisingly simple to make, perfect for gifting, holiday brunches, or a cozy morning treat.
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Festive Christmas Bread: A Beautifully Sweet and Joyful Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins (including rising time)
- Yield: 1 large loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A beautifully soft and slightly sweet festive Christmas bread, braided and glazed, filled with dried fruits and warm spices — perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifting during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup chopped dried fruit (such as cranberries, apricots, or raisins)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
- Festive sprinkles or sliced almonds (optional for decoration)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Gradually add dried fruit and nuts during kneading.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 16 inches long and braid them together. Tuck the ends under and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet (you can also form it into a wreath shape).
- Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top with a little milk or beaten egg for shine.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before glazing.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread and decorate with sprinkles or sliced almonds if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the dried fruit with chocolate chips or candied cherries for variation.
- For a richer flavor, soak dried fruit in orange juice or rum before adding to the dough.
- This bread freezes well — wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
- Serve warm with butter or honey for a festive breakfast treat.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Bread / Holiday Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: European / Holiday
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – The foundation of the dough, giving structure and softness.
Active dry yeast – Helps the bread rise beautifully and gives it that fluffy texture.
Warm milk – Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the yeast develop.
Butter (softened) – Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
Eggs – Bind the dough and add richness.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon and nutmeg – Classic warm spices that make this bread taste like Christmas.
Mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries, apricots) – Add festive sweetness and color.
Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – Add crunch and a toasty aroma.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the dough.
Powdered sugar and milk (for glaze, optional) – Create a simple drizzle for a festive finish.
Directions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Add the festive mix-ins: Gently knead in the dried fruit and nuts until evenly distributed.
- Shape the bread:
- For a wreath shape: Roll the dough into a long rope, twist it, and form into a circle.
- For a braid: Divide the dough into three sections, braid, and tuck the ends underneath.
- For a loaf: Simply shape and place in a greased loaf pan.
- Second rise: Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes (for a wreath or braid) or 35–40 minutes (for a loaf), until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and glaze: Let cool slightly before drizzling with powdered sugar glaze or dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 large loaf or wreath (8–10 servings) and takes about 2½ hours total—including rising and baking. It’s an ideal make-ahead treat for Christmas morning or holiday gatherings.
Storage/reheating
Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes. You can also freeze the bread (unglazed) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Chip Christmas Bread
Swap the dried fruit for chocolate chips and drizzle with a cocoa glaze.
Cranberry Orange Bread
Add orange zest and dried cranberries for a citrusy holiday touch.
Cinnamon Swirl Christmas Bread
Spread cinnamon sugar inside the dough before shaping for a marbled effect.
Eggnog Bread
Replace the milk with eggnog and add a pinch of nutmeg for festive flavor.
Gingerbread Version
Add ground ginger and molasses for a warm, spiced twist.
Savory Holiday Bread
Skip the sugar and fruit—add cheese, herbs, and garlic butter for a savory version perfect with dinner.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, just skip the activation step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
3. What’s the best way to shape it for the holidays?
A braided wreath shape looks beautiful and festive on the table.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
Of course—the bread is delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
5. Can I add fresh fruit instead of dried?
Dried fruit works best since it doesn’t release moisture into the dough.
6. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Can I make mini loaves or rolls?
Yes, just reduce the baking time to 15–20 minutes.
8. Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can replace up to half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier texture.
9. Can I add icing instead of glaze?
Yes, a thick vanilla or cream cheese icing works wonderfully.
10. What should I serve it with?
It’s perfect with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa—and even better with a pat of butter or honey.
Conclusion
Festive Christmas Bread is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration of the season, full of warmth, sweetness, and the comforting flavors of home. With its golden crust, tender crumb, and beautiful holiday colors from the fruit and nuts, this bread is a showstopper on any Christmas table. Whether you bake it as a gift, a breakfast centerpiece, or a cozy afternoon indulgence, it’s a joyful way to share love and holiday cheer—one delicious slice at a time.
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