Looking for delicious holiday bread recipes? Check out our collection of festive breads, from classic fruitcake to warm cinnamon rolls.

As the holiday season approaches, it's time to start thinking about all the delicious treats that come along with it. One of the most beloved holiday traditions is baking and sharing holiday bread. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, there's nothing quite like the smell of warm bread fresh out of the oven. From sweet to savory, there are countless holiday bread recipes to choose from. So, let's explore some of the best recipes out there and get ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills.

An Introduction to Holiday Bread Recipes

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it's time to start thinking about delicious treats to share with family and friends. While cookies and cakes are always popular choices, there's something special about the warmth and comfort of homemade bread. From classic cinnamon swirl to festive cranberry orange, there are endless possibilities when it comes to holiday bread recipes. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to impress your loved ones this holiday season.

Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Nothing says comfort quite like a warm slice of cinnamon swirl bread. This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet cinnamon and soft bread for a treat that will transport you straight to your childhood. To start, mix together 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 package of active dry yeast in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of butter, and 1 egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, then let it rest for 10 minutes. Roll out the dough and sprinkle with a mixture of 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Roll up the dough and place in a greased loaf pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Enjoy warm with a generous slather of butter.

The Perfect Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Fall isn't complete without a hearty slice of pumpkin bread. This recipe is moist, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Start by mixing together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup of water. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a batter forms. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Holiday Spiced Fruit Bread Recipe

This recipe is a delicious twist on traditional fruitcake. Packed with dried fruit, nuts, and warm spices, it's the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea on a chilly winter afternoon. To start, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of allspice in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a batter forms. Fold in 1 cup of mixed dried fruit and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Festive Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Tart cranberries and bright orange zest make this bread a festive addition to any holiday table. Start by mixing together 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1/2 cup of orange juice, and the zest of one orange. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a batter forms. Fold in 1 cup of fresh cranberries. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Homemade Challah Bread with Raisins Recipe

Challah bread is a traditional Jewish bread that's perfect for the holidays. This recipe adds a touch of sweetness with plump raisins for a delicious twist on a classic. To start, mix together 4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 3 eggs, and 1 cup of warm water. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, then let it rest for 10 minutes. Fold in 1 cup of raisins and knead for an additional 5 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl and let rise for 2 hours. Punch down the dough and shape into two braided loaves. Let rise for an additional 30 minutes. Brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

For those who follow a gluten-free diet, this gingerbread loaf is a delicious and festive option. Start by mixing together 2 cups of gluten-free flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a batter forms. Stir in 1/2 cup of molasses and 1/2 cup of hot water. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Bread Recipe

This bread is like a holiday version of chocolate babka. Rich chocolate dough is swirled with peppermint filling for a decadent treat that's perfect for sharing. To start, mix together 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1 package of active dry yeast, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, heat 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of butter until warm. Add 2 eggs and mix until combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, then let it rest for 10 minutes. Roll out the dough and spread with a mixture of 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Roll up the dough and place in a greased loaf pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Fluffy Eggnog Bread Recipe with Streusel Topping

Eggnog isn't just for drinking - it makes a delicious addition to baked goods too! This bread is light and fluffy with a crunchy streusel topping for added texture. To start, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of eggnog, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a batter forms. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the top of the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Cheddar and Herb Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

This savory bread is perfect for serving alongside holiday meals. Chunks of cheddar cheese and fragrant herbs make each bite flavorful and delicious. To start, mix together 3 cups of flour, 1 package of active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, heat 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of butter until warm. Add 1 egg and mix until combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, then let it rest for 10 minutes. Roll out the dough and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme). Cut the dough into small squares and stack them in a greased loaf pan. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with additional cheese and herbs. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before pulling apart and serving.

In Conclusion

Holiday bread recipes are a delicious and comforting addition to any holiday celebration. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there's a recipe out there to suit your taste. From classic cinnamon swirl to cheddar and herb pull-apart, these recipes are sure to impress your loved ones this holiday season. So put on some festive music, dust off your apron, and get baking!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is upon us, and that means it's time to start thinking about all the delicious treats we'll be indulging in. One of my personal favorites? Holiday bread recipes. There's nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked bread wafting through the house on a chilly winter day.

From sweet to savory, there are countless holiday bread recipes out there to choose from. Here are just a few of my personal favorites:

Sweet Holiday Bread Recipes

Cinnamon Swirl Bread - This classic recipe is perfect for Christmas morning. The warm cinnamon scent will fill your home and get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Cranberry Orange Bread - Tart cranberries and zesty orange combine to create a deliciously sweet bread that's perfect for serving with tea or coffee.
Pumpkin Bread - A fall favorite that can easily carry over into the winter months. Top with cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.

Savory Holiday Bread Recipes

Garlic and Herb Focaccia - Perfect for serving alongside a hearty winter stew or soup.
Rosemary and Olive Oil Bread - The perfect complement to any holiday charcuterie board.
Cheese and Onion Bread - Serve warm with a bowl of chili for the ultimate cold-weather comfort food.

Whether you're looking to impress guests at a holiday party or simply indulge in some cozy baking at home, holiday bread recipes are a must-try. From sweet to savory, there's something for everyone. So fire up your oven, grab your apron, and get ready to bake up some delicious holiday treats!

Greetings, dear blog visitors! As we approach the holiday season, one of the best ways to prepare is by indulging in delicious, homemade bread. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, there are plenty of holiday bread recipes out there that are sure to impress your friends and family. In this article, we've gathered some of our favorite recipes that are perfect for any occasion. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of holiday bread!

First up, we have the classic gingerbread loaf. This recipe is perfect for those who love a warm, spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness. The great thing about gingerbread is that it's incredibly versatile - you can serve it as a dessert or even as a breakfast dish with a dollop of whipped cream. To make this recipe, you'll need flour, brown sugar, molasses, spices, and a few other ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Simply mix everything together, pour it into a loaf pan, and bake until golden brown.

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, why not try making a chocolate babka? This Eastern European bread is a decadent treat that's perfect for any holiday celebration. The dough is enriched with butter and eggs, and then layered with a rich filling of chocolate, sugar, and cinnamon. It's then twisted into a beautiful braid and baked until perfectly golden. This recipe requires a bit more effort than some of the others on this list, but trust us - it's worth it.

Finally, we have the iconic fruitcake. This dense, moist cake is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is often soaked in rum or brandy for an extra kick. Fruitcake has been a holiday staple for centuries, and for good reason - it's delicious! While some people may turn their noses up at this traditional treat, we urge you to give it a try. You might just be surprised at how much you love it.

That's all for our holiday bread recipe roundup! We hope that these recipes have inspired you to get into the kitchen and start baking. Remember, the holidays are all about spending time with loved ones and enjoying delicious food - and what better way to do that than with a freshly baked loaf of bread?

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People also ask about holiday bread recipes. Here are some of the most common questions:

What are some popular types of holiday bread?

Some popular types of holiday bread include fruitcake, stollen, panettone, and challah.

How do I make a traditional fruitcake?

A traditional fruitcake typically includes dried fruits like raisins, currants, and candied cherries, as well as nuts and spices. The fruit is soaked in brandy or rum before being mixed with the other ingredients. Here's a recipe to get you started:

1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 cup raisins
1 cup currants
1 cup candied cherries
1 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup brandy or rum

Cream the butter and sugar together, then add the eggs one at a time. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk. Stir in the fruits and nuts, then pour in the brandy or rum and mix well. Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees F for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

What is stollen, and how do I make it?

Stollen is a German Christmas bread that contains dried fruit, nuts, and spices, and is often topped with powdered sugar. Here's a recipe:

1/2 cup warm milk
1 tsp sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup candied fruit
1/4 cup rum or brandy

Dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, vanilla, eggs, and butter to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl and let it rise for 1 hour. Mix the raisins, almonds, and candied fruit with the rum or brandy and let sit for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the fruit mixture over the top, then roll the dough up into a loaf. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar.

What is panettone, and how do I make it?

Panettone is an Italian Christmas bread that is similar to stollen, but is typically taller and lighter in texture. Here's a recipe:

1/2 cup warm water
1 packet active dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups flour
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped candied fruit
1/2 cup chopped almonds

Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water and let sit for 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the butter, vanilla, and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the egg mixture, then gradually stir in the flour until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl and let it rise for 1 hour. Mix the raisins, candied fruit, and almonds into the dough, then shape it into a round loaf and place it in a panettone mold or a tall, narrow pan. Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes, then bake at 375 degrees F for 45-50 minutes.

What is challah, and how do I make it?

Challah is a Jewish bread that is traditionally eaten on Shabbat and other holidays. It is typically braided and has a slightly sweet flavor. Here's a recipe:

4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
2 eggs, plus 1 egg yolk for glazing
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup warm water

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the vegetable oil and warm water. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl and let it rise for 1 hour. Divide the dough into three equal pieces and roll them out into long ropes. Braid the ropes together and place the loaf on a greased baking sheet. Let the loaf rise again for about 30 minutes, then brush it with the egg yolk. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30-35 minutes.