Looking For Festive Inspiration? Try These 5 Christmas Bread Recipes That’ll Warm Your Heart!

The holiday season calls for the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. From sweet to savory, these five Christmas bread recipes will make your gatherings extra special. Let’s dive into the joy of baking!

1. Classic Christmas Stollen

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or currants)
• ¼ cup chopped almonds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm milk, egg, and butter; knead until a soft dough forms.
3. Mix in dried fruits, almonds, vanilla, and almond extract.
4. Shape into a loaf and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes.
6. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar.

Helpful Note:Soak dried fruits in orange juice overnight for extra flavor!

2. Gingerbread Loaf

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup molasses
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine molasses, sugar, butter, egg, and buttermilk.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet and mix until smooth.
5. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.

Helpful Note:Top with cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat!

3. Cranberry Orange Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest in a bowl.
3. Combine orange juice, oil, and eggs in a separate bowl.
4. Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry. Fold in cranberries.
5. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 50–60 minutes.

Helpful Note:Sprinkle sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.

4. Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl.
2. Add milk, eggs, and butter. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
3. Roll out dough and spread with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
4. Cut into strips, stack, and layer in a loaf pan.
5. Let rise for 1 hour, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

Helpful Note:Serve warm with cream cheese glaze for a crowd-pleaser!

5. Holiday Nutty Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
3. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined.
4. Fold in walnuts and pour batter into the pan.
5. Bake for 60–70 minutes.

Helpful Note:Wrap in foil for a day to let the flavors intensify!

Whether you’re gifting or indulging, these breads bring holiday cheer to the table. Let your kitchen fill with festive warmth and joy! Which one will you bake first? Let us know!