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Christmas Bread

This Christmas Bread is a soft, spiced loaf filled with dried fruit and nuts, perfect for gifts or a family breakfast.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 / 12 slices
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (Use warm (not hot) milk for the yeast to stay active.)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or currants)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) (Can be omitted or replaced with chocolate chips.)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Method
 

  1. Preparation: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Preparation: In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  3. Preparation: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
  4. Preparation: Stir in dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. Preparation: Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Preparation: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  7. Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Baking: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf or braid, and place in a greased loaf pan.
  9. Baking: Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
  10. Baking: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. Baking: Cool before slicing and enjoy!