Description
A quick and easy Christmas Bread that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy breakfasts, featuring warm cinnamon and customizable dried fruits and nuts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Mix the Yeast Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this into the yeast mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the loaf with the egg wash for a shiny finish.
- Bake It Up: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serve warm with butter, powdered sugar, or cream cheese frosting. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg