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