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Sweet Christmas Bread

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A soft, lightly sweet bread with a touch of holiday spice, perfect for festive gatherings or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) warm whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Optional: 1/2 cup raisins

Instructions

  1. Prepare the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of warm milk (around 110°F/43°C), 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups (440g) of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs and add 1/2 cup (120ml) of warm milk, 1/4 cup (50g) of softened butter, and the zest of one orange.
  4. Make the dough: Add the yeast mixture and wet ingredients to the dry ingredient mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
  6. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the bread: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
  8. Second rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes.
  9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

[‘Check your yeast to ensure it’s active. If it doesn’t foam, start over with a fresh batch.’, ‘Don’t rush the rise; give the dough enough time to rise properly for a soft and fluffy texture.’, ‘Use fresh spices for the best flavor.’, ‘If the top of your bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas bread, holiday baking, sweet bread, festive bread, holiday recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/sweet-christmas-bread-recipe-easy-holiday-baking-perfect/