Welcome to my cozy kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked holiday sweet breads fills the air! There’s just something magical about these delightful treats that makes any festive gathering feel extra special. I remember the first time I baked sweet bread with my grandmother during the holidays. We filled the kitchen with laughter, flour, and the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house. That warmth and joy is exactly what I want to share with you through this recipe! These holiday sweet breads are not just delicious; they’re a way to create memories and bring loved ones together. So, let’s dive into this wonderful journey of baking and make some holiday magic together!

Ingredients List

Before we get started, let’s gather everything we need to create these delightful holiday sweet breads. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the comforting ingredients that come together to make something extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts (your choice, I love walnuts!)
1/2 cup dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries)

Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully—trust me, it really makes a difference in the final product! Once you’ve got everything ready, we can jump into the fun part: baking!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll have beautiful, fragrant holiday sweet breads that’ll impress everyone. Don’t worry if it feels a bit overwhelming—just take it one step at a time, and you’ll be fine!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by combining the warm milk and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the magic moment where the yeast wakes up and gets ready to work its wonders!
Next, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and smooth. The smell will be divine!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will add a lovely warmth to your bread. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is combined. It should form a sticky dough—that’s exactly what we want!
Now, it’s time to fold in your chopped nuts and dried fruit. This is where you can really get creative! Gently mix them in, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You’ll want to work it until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little bit of flour as needed, but don’t overdo it!
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. This is where the dough will double in size, and your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
Once the hour is up, punch down the dough to release the air. Then, shape it into loaves and place them in greased pans.
Cover the loaves again and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for achieving that lovely texture we’re after!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the loaves have risen beautifully, pop them into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The aroma will be irresistible!

Once baked, let them cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. And there you have it—delicious holiday sweet breads ready to be enjoyed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These holiday sweet breads are not just a treat; they’re a celebration in every bite! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

Easy to make with simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
Deliciously sweet and aromatic, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Versatile—customize with your favorite nuts and dried fruits!
Great as gifts or to share with loved ones during the holidays.
Fill your home with delightful scents that evoke holiday cheer!

Tips for Success

To really nail these holiday sweet breads, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that will make your baking experience a breeze! First, when kneading the dough, don’t rush it—take your time to develop that lovely gluten. It should be smooth and elastic by the end, so if it feels too sticky, just sprinkle a bit more flour as needed. For the rising process, create a warm environment by placing the dough in an oven turned off or near a sunny window. This helps the yeast work its magic! And when it comes to baking, keep an eye on them in the last few minutes. Ovens can vary, so you want that gorgeous golden brown color, and they should sound hollow when tapped. Trust me, following these tips will lead you to sweet bread perfection!

Variations

One of the most fun things about making holiday sweet breads is how easily you can customize them to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the nuts! Pecans add a lovely richness, while almonds give a nice crunch. You can even go nut-free and add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a delightful twist!

As for dried fruits, the sky’s the limit! Dried apricots or figs can bring a unique flavor, while a mix of cranberries and blueberries will add a pop of color and tartness. You could also throw in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise—who could resist that? And if you’re in the mood for spices, consider adding a bit of nutmeg or cardamom to the mix. Let your creativity shine in the kitchen, and make these holiday sweet breads your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked your delicious holiday sweet breads, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! To store leftovers, simply wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them moist and prevent them from drying out. You can store them at room temperature for up to 3 days, or if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just make sure to slice them before freezing for easy serving later!

When you’re ready to enjoy your sweet bread again, simply let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. For a warm, cozy treat, you can reheat slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until they’re warmed through. Enjoy that fresh-baked goodness all over again!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these numbers are just a guideline. For each slice of these delightful holiday sweet breads, you can expect about 220 calories, 8g of fat, 10g of sugar, and 4g of protein. It’s a sweet treat that brings joy, and with a little mindfulness, you can enjoy it guilt-free!

FAQ Section

I’ve gathered some common questions about these holiday sweet breads, so you can bake with confidence! One question I often hear is, “How do I ensure my bread rises properly?” The key is to use warm milk (not hot!) when activating the yeast and to let the dough rise in a warm spot—like an oven that’s turned off but still warm. Also, don’t skip the second rise; it’s crucial for that fluffy texture!

Another frequent inquiry is, “How should I store my sweet bread?” After cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is an option too! Just slice it first, and freeze it in portions. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving hits!

Holiday Sweet Breads for Magical Festive Gatherings

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves 1x
Category: Breads
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious sweet breads perfect for holiday celebrations.

Instructions

In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
In another bowl, mix flour, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until combined.
Fold in nuts and dried fruit.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and shape it into loaves.
Place loaves in greased pans. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Use your favorite nuts and dried fruits.
Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Can be frozen for later use.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 220
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Holiday sweet breads, festive breads, sweet bread recipes

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