Description
A festive, spiced, fruit-filled Christmas bread that captures the warmth and aroma of the holidays—perfect for gifting, brunches, or cozy seasonal breakfasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots or raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup candied ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon water (for glaze)
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a large bowl.
- Whisk warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients to form dough, then knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Fold in cranberries, apricots, and nuts if using.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and proof 1 hour until doubled.
- Punch down dough, shape into a loaf, and place in greased 9×5-inch pan.
- Proof 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Mix honey and water; brush over hot bread for glossy finish.
- Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to rack and cool fully before slicing.
Notes
Ensure warm milk is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. Add candied ginger or nuts for extra holiday flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas bread recipe, holiday bread, festive loaf, spiced bread, christmas baking