This cozy Quick and Easy Festive Christmas Bread comes together in about 90 minutes and is super simple to whip up, making it the perfect addition to your holiday spread! Your family will love the delightful aroma wafting through the house, filling it with holiday cheer. Plus, you can easily switch up the ingredients by using whatever dried fruits or nuts you have on hand for a “clean out the pantry” twist. Trust me this bread is about to become your new go-to recipe for Christmas gatherings!
Ingredient Breakdown
4 cups all-purpose flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation of this bread. It’s what helps create that soft, tender crumb we all crave. If you find yourself with some whole wheat flour, feel free to mix it in, but know that the texture will be slightly denser, which can be delightful in its own right!
1 cup warm milk
Warm milk helps activate the yeast, giving your bread the rise it needs. I like to use 2% milk for creaminess, but any milk will work in this recipe, dairy or non-dairy options like almond or oat milk! Just make sure to warm it gently, not too hot, or you might end up killing the yeast.
1/4 cup sugar
The sugar not only sweetens the bread but also feeds the yeast. It’s a crucial ingredient for that perfect golden brown crust. Feel free to use honey or maple syrup as a substitute in a pinch!
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
Butter is going to give you the best flavor and richness in this bread. I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the sodium content better. You can use coconut oil or even vegetable oil in place of butter if you want to make it dairy-free. Just remember that it might change the taste a little!
2 teaspoons instant yeast
Instant yeast is my go-to, as it doesn’t require any proofing and simplifies the baking process. If you only have active dry yeast, that’s okay too! Just remember to activate it with a little warm water and sugar before adding it to the mix.
1 teaspoon salt
A couple pinches of salt are essential in any bread recipe because it balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor. If you’re watching your sodium, you can reduce the amount, but don’t skip it entirely!
2 eggs
Eggs enrich the dough, giving it that delightful soft texture. You can use flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce if you want to make this vegan, but note that the texture might vary a bit.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ah, the scent of cinnamon! It’s truly the essence of holiday baking. If you’re a cinnamon-hater, you can leave it out or try nutmeg or cardamom instead, they will also work well in this recipe!
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Nutmeg adds another layer of warmth and holiday flavor. Fresh nutmeg is divine if you have it on hand. If you don’t, the pre-ground stuff works just fine too!
1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, etc.)
This is where you can get creative! Dried cranberries bring that tartness that balances the sweetness oh-so-deliciously. Dried apricots or figs are also stellar options. Fresh or frozen fruits, however, will not work well in this recipe, so stick to dried.
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
This is completely optional, but I love the crunch that nuts bring to the table. Walnuts or pecans are my favorites, but almonds or even hazelnuts would add a nice touch too. You can totally leave them out for a nut-free treat!
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Quick and Easy Festive Christmas Bread
Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly. Smell that yeast goodness? You’re on the right track!
Mix in the wet ingredients: Add the melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the yeast mixture. Whisk it all together until you have a smooth, luscious mixture.
Add the flour: Gradually fold in the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. It’ll be a bit sticky at first, but that’s okay, don’t panic!
Knead: Dust a clean surface with a bit of flour and turn out your dough. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Trust me, it’s a bit of a workout, but it’s worth it for that perfect loaf!
Incorporate the goodies: If you’re using dried fruit and nuts, mix them into the dough until evenly distributed. You can always save some for the topping later to make it a showstopper!
Let it rise: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size. This is the perfect time to crank up those holiday tunes and sip on your favorite beverage!
Preheat the oven: While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Shape the loaf: Gently punch the dough down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when you tap it. Think of the holiday goodness that is about to fill your kitchen!
Cool it down: Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. You want it completely cool before slicing… if you can resist that delightful aroma!
I can practically smell it already! The anticipation is half the fun, if I’m being honest.
Why I Love This Recipe
This festive bread is my go-to recipe when I’m in need of some serious comfort food. Seriously, it fills the house with warmth and tasty vibes! I’m a real sucker for anything that gives me that “Grandma’s kitchen” feels, and the best part is that it’s super adaptable! You can toss in whatever nuts and dried fruits you have lying around, no two loaves need to be the same!
If you loved this Quick and Easy Festive Christmas Bread, be sure to check out my Black Forest Trifle for Christmas, my Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies with White Chocolate, or my Homemade Fresh Fruit Tart!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This bread comes together all in about 90 minutes from start to finish. That includes rising time, but don’t worry! Most of that is hands-off, making it perfect for your busy holiday schedule.
Customizable
You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Switch it up with different dried fruits or nuts! Want to make it chocolatey? Toss in some chocolate chips instead oh yes, please!
Crowd-Pleaser
Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just cozying up with your family, this bread is a definite crowd-pleaser. The flavors are loaded with warmth and nostalgia, and who can resist the smell of baking bread?
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can prepare your dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking it, and boom fresh bread on demand!
Comfort Food
Nothing says “happiness” quite like a warm slice of bread slathered in butter. Seriously this is one of those recipes that just warms your soul!
How to Serve This Festive Christmas Bread
Serving Suggestions
This bread is truly amazing on its own, but you can serve it with a bit of whipped cream cheese or a dollop of your favorite jam. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try it out with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup!
Storage
This bread will keep well for about 3-5 days at room temperature, but I guarantee it won’t last that long! Just make sure to wrap it tightly to keep it fresh.
Reheating Instructions
If you want to enjoy a slice warm, toss it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. You’ll be in heaven!
Freezer-Friendly
Yes! This festive bread is freezer-friendly. Just slice it first, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and pop it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to eat it, just toast the frozen slice, and you’re golden!
So, there you have it! My Quick and Easy Festive Christmas Bread recipe is not just about deliciousness; it’s about making memories in the kitchen with your loved ones. You can bake this with your kids or surprise your neighbors with a loaf either way, it’s bound to bring a smile. Give it a try, and let that holiday cheer fill your home!
It’s the holiday season, folks let’s break bread together!
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