Description
A soft, spiced Christmas bread recipe with cranberries, warm glaze, and nostalgic flavor. Perfect for gifting, brunch, or Christmas morning breakfast.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
2 large eggs
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tbsp of sugar, and yeast. Let sit 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, remaining sugar, and melted butter.
3. Add yeast mix to wet ingredients. Slowly add flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour.
6. Punch down and knead in cranberries and walnuts.
7. Shape dough into a loaf or braid. Let rise 30–45 minutes.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding.
9. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze.
10. Cool bread slightly, then drizzle with glaze and serve.
Notes
Swap one cup flour for whole wheat for more fiber.
Use non-dairy milk and butter for a dairy-free option.
Wrap cooled bread in parchment to give as edible gifts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg