There’s something magical about the smell of Christmas Bread Recipe baking in the oven. The mix of cinnamon, orange zest, and dried fruit fills the whole house with warmth and joy. For me, this bread isn’t just food — it’s tradition. Every December, my kitchen turns into a cozy holiday bakery, and this golden loaf is always the centerpiece.
The first time I made it, I wanted to recreate the sweet bread my grandmother used to serve on Christmas morning. Hers was always perfectly golden, dotted with raisins and candied cherries, and glazed just enough to sparkle under the lights. Mine didn’t look quite as pretty that first year, but it tasted just like home. Now, this Christmas Bread Recipe is something my own kids look forward to every year — soft, buttery, and packed with the flavors of the season.
If you love comforting, festive bakes like my Christmas Fruit Cake or Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, you’ll fall head over heels for this holiday bread.
Christmas Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Gently knead in the dried fruit. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling glaze.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Story Behind This Christmas Bread
A Slice of Tradition
Christmas bread has many names around the world — some call it stollen, others pannetone or sweet holiday loaf. But at its heart, it’s all about warmth, family, and celebration. My version keeps things simple and homey, using ingredients you can find anywhere. It’s slightly sweet, tender, and perfect with a cup of coffee or cocoa by the fire.
For another family-inspired recipe full of old-fashioned comfort, try my Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters. They’re quick to make and always a hit on dessert trays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas bread is soft on the inside with a golden, slightly crisp crust. The dried fruit adds bursts of flavor, while the orange zest and vanilla make every bite taste festive. Whether you glaze it or dust it with powdered sugar, it looks beautiful on your holiday table — like something straight out of a bakery.
Ingredients for Christmas Bread
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped candied cherries)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting or glaze)
How to Make Christmas Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy — that’s how you know the yeast is alive and ready.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Add the Fruit
Gently knead in the dried fruit until evenly distributed. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 5: Glaze or Dust
Once cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
For another easy, festive bake, check out my Pistachio Pudding Cookies — they share that same melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Bread
Use Fresh Yeast
Old yeast won’t rise properly, so always check the expiration date. If your yeast doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, start over.
Don’t Overmix
Mix the dough until it just comes together. Overmixing can make your bread dense instead of soft.
Add Nuts for Crunch
If you love texture, stir in chopped pecans or almonds. They add a buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet fruit.
If you enjoy cozy recipes like this one, you’ll also love my One Pot Potato Soup — it’s the savory comfort food version of this bread.
How to Store and Gift
Storage
Wrap your bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It stays soft for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months.
Gifting
A loaf of homemade Christmas Bread makes the perfect edible gift. Wrap it in parchment and tie it with twine, then add a small tag that says “Made with love.” It pairs beautifully with a jar of my Creamy Bacon Potato Soup mix for a complete holiday basket.
Flavor Variations
- Cranberry Orange Bread: Swap the mixed fruit for dried cranberries and extra orange zest.
- Chocolate Chip Christmas Bread: Add mini chocolate chips for a dessert-style loaf.
- Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Roll out the dough, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, and roll it up before baking.
- Glazed Almond Bread: Top with sliced almonds and drizzle almond glaze after baking.
If you like creative twists on traditional recipes, my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes are packed with fun variations you can try anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this bread without a mixer?
Absolutely. It just takes a bit of elbow grease — knead by hand for about 8 minutes.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but replace only half the flour to keep the texture soft and tender.
3. Can I make it ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it in the morning.
4. How do I make it extra moist?
Brush the loaf with melted butter right after baking — it gives a soft crust and rich flavor.
Conclusion
Christmas Bread is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. It’s soft, lightly sweet, and full of festive flavor — everything a holiday bake should be. Whether you serve it on Christmas morning or wrap it as a gift for loved ones, this bread is a reminder that the simplest recipes often carry the most meaning.
For a full holiday spread, pair it with my Grinch Dip and Frosted Christmas Brownies. Together, they make the perfect table of sweet memories.
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