When the first snowflakes begin to fall and the scent of cinnamon fills the kitchen, I know it’s time to bake my favorite Christmas Bread. This recipe isn’t just a loaf, it’s a story. I remember sitting by Nonna’s side, watching her knead the dough with care. She’d hum old carols while brushing melted butter over golden tops, the kitchen warm and glowing with the magic of December. Today, I make this bread for my own family, keeping her spirit alive. Every slice carries the flavor of nostalgia; soft, fragrant, and filled with love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Bread Recipe
Christmas Bread is the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like the holidays. It’s lightly sweet, buttery, and rich with warm spices; perfect for breakfast or dessert. The dough bakes up soft and golden, with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, and orange zest. You can enjoy it plain or drizzle it with icing for extra cheer. What I love most is how versatile it is, you can shape it into a braided loaf or bake it in a round pan for a rustic look. It’s perfect for gifting, too, wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.
If you adore comforting seasonal bakes like my Banana Bread, you’ll fall in love with this one. Christmas Bread brings the same warmth but with a festive sparkle. It’s the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and spice that turns a cold morning into something special.
Print
Christmas Bread
A warm, spiced, and buttery Christmas Bread recipe infused with orange zest, cinnamon, and raisins. Perfect for holiday mornings and festive gatherings.
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 servings) 1x
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup melted butter
¼ cup sugar
2 eggs
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp orange zest
½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
1. Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest in a large bowl.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture; mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
6. Punch down, knead in raisins, and shape into loaf or braid.
7. Let rise 30 minutes more, brush with melted butter.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
9. Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a festive touch, soak raisins in orange juice or rum before adding.
You can also sprinkle pearl sugar or sliced almonds on top before baking.
Freezes beautifully; wrap tightly and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread, Holiday, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European, Christmas
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Christmas Bread:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp |
| Warm milk | 1 cup |
| Butter, melted | ¼ cup |
| Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Cinnamon and nutmeg | 1 tsp each |
| Orange zest | 1 tbsp |
| Raisins or dried cranberries | ½ cup |
These ingredients create a soft, golden loaf with a sweet fragrance that lingers long after baking. For extra inspiration, you can look at the flavor balance used in my Apple Cider Cake, the combination of citrus and spice makes both desserts unforgettable.
How to Make It
Start by activating the yeast in warm milk and sugar. Let it sit until foamy, it’s the sign that your yeast is alive and ready. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest. Create a well and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Stir until the dough comes together, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size. Punch it down gently, knead in raisins, and shape it into your preferred form, a round loaf or a braid. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it rise again for 30 minutes. Brush the top with melted butter before baking at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
If you enjoy baking festive treats, you might also like the spice and softness of my Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake. The aroma and texture are similar, making both recipes perfect for the holidays.
Tips and Variations
To make your Christmas Bread extra special, try soaking the raisins in rum or orange juice before adding them to the dough. It keeps them plump and adds a deeper flavor. You can also sprinkle pearl sugar or sliced almonds on top before baking for a touch of crunch. For a twist, mix in dried cherries, chocolate chips, or a cream cheese filling. This bread also freezes beautifully, just wrap it tightly and warm it in the oven before serving.
For more holiday dessert inspiration, visit my Thanksgiving Desserts collection. You’ll find sweets that pair perfectly with this bread, creating a festive table spread that feels both homey and indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Christmas Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before baking.
2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely. You can substitute the same amount of instant yeast and skip the proofing step.
3. What’s the best way to store Christmas Bread?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to a month.
4. Can I add glaze or icing?
Definitely! A simple icing made with powdered sugar and orange juice enhances its sweetness beautifully. For a tangy glaze idea, check out my Cranberry Sauce ; it adds a festive red hue.
If you love classic festive sweets, try my Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles, they capture that same homemade joy that makes Christmas baking so special.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Bread is more than a recipe, it’s a tradition. Every slice captures the heart of the holiday season: warm, comforting, and made with love. From the soft texture to the fragrant blend of spices, it’s a bake that invites family and friends to gather around the table. Whether you serve it with butter, glaze, or a cup of cocoa, this bread will become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
