Description
A soft, sweet, festive Christmas bread filled with warm spices, dried fruit, and citrus, perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifting.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Add warm milk, warm water, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add orange zest, dried cranberries, raisins, and nuts; knead until evenly incorporated.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch dough down and shape into a round loaf or braid. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush loaf with melted butter and bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Cool before slicing; serve plain or with butter.
Notes
- Add chocolate chips or candied orange peel for extra sweetness.
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Excellent for toasting the next day.
- Freeze leftover slices for easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American