Indulge in the warmth of the holidays with this enchanting Christmas Bread Recipe. This sweet bread, often adorned with festive decorations, is a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, it’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Whether served warm or toasted, this bread is a perfect accompaniment to your holiday feasts and gatherings.
Ingredients
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk, warmed
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 eggs
– 2 tsp dry yeast
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– Optional: powdered sugar for decoration
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 12 servings. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with an additional 1 hour for rising and 30 minutes for baking.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 220 calories, 8g of fat, 34g of carbohydrates, 4g of protein, and 10g of sugar. This is based on one slice of the bread.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
4. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or braid.
8. Place the shaped dough in a greased baking pan.
9. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Additionally, almond milk can replace regular milk for a dairy-free version. Feel free to add dried fruits or nuts for added flavor and texture.
Serving and Pairings
Serve this delightful Christmas bread warm with butter or cream cheese. It pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or mulled wine, making it a perfect addition to your holiday brunch or dessert table.
Storage and Reheating
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place it in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave for a few seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid using cold milk; it can hinder yeast activation.
– Don’t rush the rising time; allow the dough to double in size.
– Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
– Measure flour accurately; too much can lead to dense bread.
– Avoid over-kneading the dough; it should be smooth but not tough.
Helpful Tips
– Use a kitchen thermometer to check the dough’s temperature.
– For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
– Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for added flavor.
– Keep a close eye while baking to prevent over-browning.
FAQs
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
What can I add to the bread for extra flavor?
Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips make great additions to enhance flavor and texture.
Is this bread suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This bread freezes well. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. There’s no need to activate it in warm milk; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Conclusion
This Christmas Bread Recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful way to bring joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations. With its soft texture and sweet aroma, it’s sure to become a beloved tradition in your home. Enjoy baking and sharing this festive bread with family and friends!
Christmas Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk warmed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: powdered sugar for decoration
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or braid.
- Place the shaped dough in a greased baking pan.
- Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
