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Festive Christmas Bread
Dominique

Festive Christmas Bread

This Festive Christmas Bread delivers the spirit of the holidays with its warm spices and sweet dried fruits, making it a cherished addition to family traditions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, golden raisins, candied orange peel)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamo
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: powdered sugar and milk or orange juice for glaze

Method
 

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Combine the remaining sugar, butter, eggs, orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt into the yeast mixture and mix well.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Incorporate the mixed dried fruit, chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg into the dough.
  6. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the dough into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan. Let rise again for 45-60 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake the bread for 40-50 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  11. (Optional) Prepare a glaze with powdered sugar and milk or orange juice, and apply once cooled.

Notes

Ensure milk is at the right temperature for yeast activation. Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.