There’s something truly magical about the scent of freshly baked Christmas bread wafting through your kitchen during the holiday season. With its rich aroma of spices, nuts, and dried fruits, this bread captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or gifting it to loved ones, this recipe is a heartwarming Baked Christmas Gift Idea that never goes out of style.
Ingredients for Christmas Bread
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this festive treat:
For the Dough:
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4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 packet (7 g) instant yeast
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3/4 cup (180 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Filling:
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1/2 cup (100 g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, or candied orange peel)
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1/4 cup (40 g) chopped nuts (almonds or pecans)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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Zest of 1 orange
Brushing & Topping:
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1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
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Optional: sliced almonds or pearl sugar for decoration
Required Kitchen Tools
You won’t need any fancy equipment—just a few basics:
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Large mixing bowl
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Whisk and wooden spoon
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
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Baking sheet or loaf pan
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Parchment paper
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Pastry brush
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Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to make your bread rise perfectly.
2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl (or stand mixer), mix the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Begin kneading on low speed (or by hand) while gradually incorporating softened butter. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
3: First Rise
Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, combine dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest in a small bowl. If you want extra flavor, soak the dried fruits in a tablespoon of rum, orange juice, or warm water for 10 minutes before mixing.
5: Shape the Bread
Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Evenly spread the fruit and nut mixture over the dough. Roll it up tightly, jelly-roll style, and shape it into a loaf or festive ring. Place it onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
7: Brush and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the dough with the egg yolk and milk mixture for a golden, glossy finish. Optionally, sprinkle sliced almonds or pearl sugar on top for a decorative touch.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust it generously with powdered sugar for that classic snowy Christmas look.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Christmas Bread
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Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh eggs, real butter, and pure vanilla make all the difference.
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Warm, not hot, milk: If your milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast.
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Don’t skip the second rise: This step ensures a soft, fluffy texture.
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Add a glaze for shine: For a more luxurious look, you can brush your baked bread with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) right after baking.
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Gift-ready packaging: Wrap cooled bread in parchment paper, tie it with a festive ribbon, and add a small tag—it’s the ultimate Baked Christmas Gift Idea!
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delicious served slightly warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. You can also toast slices and spread them with cream cheese or fruit jam for a cozy breakfast. For festive gatherings, serve it alongside hot cocoa or mulled wine for a true holiday experience.
If you want to elevate your presentation, add edible gold flakes or small sugar decorations before serving—it turns a simple loaf into a showstopper centerpiece!
Approximate Nutritional Information (per slice)
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Calories: 230 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 35 g
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Protein: 5 g
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Fat: 8 g
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Sugar: 12 g
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Fiber: 2 g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Why This Bread Is the Ultimate Baked Christmas Gift Idea
Homemade gifts always carry a special warmth, and this Christmas Bread Recipe embodies the essence of giving. Its beautiful golden crust, festive aroma, and sweet, spiced flavor make it the perfect edible present for friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers. Unlike store-bought gifts, homemade bread shows care, time, and love—everything the holidays are about.
Wrap it in a rustic brown paper, tie it with twine, and add a cinnamon stick or sprig of rosemary for that handcrafted charm. Whether you’re sharing it at a Christmas brunch or leaving it as a surprise gift, this bread will spread cheer and joy wherever it goes.
Conclusion: Bake Love This Christmas
If you’re looking for a Baked Christmas Gift Idea that’s heartfelt, delicious, and easy to make, this Christmas Bread Recipe is your answer. Its soft texture, spiced aroma, and festive flair will instantly fill your home with holiday spirit.
Ingredients
Notes
