Nothing brings more warmth into my home during the holidays than the smell of freshly baked Christmas bread. I still remember the first time I made it; flour dusted all over the counters, cinnamon in the air, and Christmas songs playing in the background. I was trying to recreate a memory from my childhood: my grandmother’s holiday bread, soft on the inside with a golden, slightly crunchy crust. I didn’t have her recipe, so I created one that felt just as special, maybe even better.
This version is festive, rich with dried fruits, and slightly sweet; perfect for breakfast or with afternoon tea. Like my Pumpkin Bread, it’s one of those bakes you’ll want to keep making all season long.
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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Bread
This Christmas bread is cozy, classic, and crowd-pleasing. It’s the kind of loaf that makes people linger in the kitchen a little longer. What makes this recipe a keeper? First, the texture: soft and tender with a beautifully golden crust. Then, the flavors, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a mix of dried fruits bring that holiday cheer in every bite.
It’s flexible, too. You can shape it into a braid, bake it in a loaf pan, or even roll it up with a swirl. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast on Christmas morning or gifting it to neighbors, this bread feels like love in loaf form. It pairs beautifully with cozy sides like Cinnamon Sugar Blondies for a festive dessert board.
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Festive Christmas Bread
This festive Christmas bread is packed with dried fruits, citrus zest, and warm spices; soft, golden, and perfect for holiday mornings.
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Ingredients
3½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
½ cup warm milk (110°F)
¼ cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
Zest of 1 orange
½ cup softened butter
¾ cup chopped mixed dried fruit
¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
1. Dissolve sugar in warm milk and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add eggs, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest. Stir in flour until dough forms.
3. Knead in softened butter until dough is smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
4. Cover dough in a greased bowl. Let rise for 1.5 hours or until doubled.
5. Punch down dough, knead in dried fruit and nuts.
6. Shape dough as desired and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
7. Brush with egg wash and bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.
8. Cool on wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can use eggnog instead of milk for a richer flavor. Drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish. Freezes well – wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the magic of this bread, here’s what you’ll need:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¾ cup chopped mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
You can also swap the dried fruits based on what you have, or even add a bit of rum or brandy for an extra touch of holiday spirit. If you love experimenting with ingredients, try what I did in these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecakes; a small twist makes a big difference.
How to Make Christmas Bread
Making Christmas bread is easier than it sounds. Here’s how I do it:
- 1. Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm milk. Sprinkle in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until it looks foamy. - 2. Mix the dough
Add eggs, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest. Stir in the flour and mix until a dough forms. Knead in the softened butter, then knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth. You can use a stand mixer or do it by hand. - 3. First rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1½ hours or until doubled. - 4. Add the good stuff
Punch down the dough and knead in the dried fruits and nuts. Shape it into a braid, round loaf, or place it into a greased loaf pan. - 5. Second rise
Let it rise again for 30–45 minutes. Brush with egg wash before baking. - 6. Bake and enjoy
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Let cool before slicing.
It reminds me of the soft fluffiness in these Texas Roadhouse Rolls. Homemade bread is worth every minute.
Tips and Variations
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture
If you like a slightly stronger crumb, swap in bread flour. It works beautifully if you’re shaping your bread into a festive wreath or twist. - Add a glaze or icing
Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and drizzle over the cooled bread for a sweet finish, like what you’d find on a classic stollen. - Make it ahead
This bread freezes beautifully. Bake ahead, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in a warm oven before serving. - Want it richer?
Swap milk for eggnog or add a splash of vanilla extract. Just like in these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins, the subtle upgrade is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of dried fruits work best in Christmas bread?
Cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots, and even dried cherries work great. Choose a mix of tart and sweet for balanced flavor.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes! Kneading by hand works just as well. It’s a bit of a workout, but the result is just as delicious.
How do I store Christmas bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Is this bread sweet enough for dessert?
It’s lightly sweet, perfect for breakfast or as a side. But with a glaze or a slather of butter, it can easily pass for dessert, especially alongside Apple Cinnamon Bread.
Final Slice
This Christmas bread has become a holiday tradition at our house. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular morning into a memorable one; comforting, slightly indulgent, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it with breakfast or wrapping it up for a gift, it brings warmth to the season like nothing else. It’s a taste of home, and I hope it brings the same joy to your table.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
