Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Christmas brioche! This delightful, sweet bread is like a warm hug during the holiday season. There’s something truly magical about the aroma that fills your kitchen when this lovely loaf is baking—it’s like the scent of Christmas itself! I remember the first time I made it; my family was gathered around, and when it came out of the oven, everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. The soft, fluffy texture and the hint of sweetness from the raisins and candied orange peel make it a festive treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of tea. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a tradition that brings everyone together, sparking joy and creating memories. Trust me, once you try making this Christmas brioche, it will become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients List
- 500g strong white bread flour: This is the star of the show! It gives our brioche that lovely structure and fluffiness.
- 75g sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors and enhance that festive vibe.
- 10g salt: Just a pinch to bring out all the wonderful flavors in the dough.
- 10g instant yeast: This little powerhouse helps our dough rise beautifully, making it light and airy.
- 4 large eggs: They add richness and help bind everything together. Plus, they give that gorgeous color!
- 200ml milk: Warm milk helps to activate the yeast and makes the dough tender. I love using whole milk for extra creaminess!
- 200g unsalted butter (softened): It’s crucial that your butter is soft; this makes it easier to incorporate and gives our brioche that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 100g raisins: These little gems add a lovely chewiness and bursts of sweetness.
- 100g candied orange peel: The bright citrus flavor is just perfect for the holidays, giving your brioche that extra zing!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings everything together and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
How to Prepare Christmas Brioche
Now, let’s dive into the magical process of making Christmas brioche! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the results are so worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful loaf ready to impress your family and friends!
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Here, you’ll want to combine the 500g strong white bread flour, 75g sugar, 10g salt, and 10g instant yeast. Make sure to mix them well with a whisk or a spoon, so everything is evenly distributed. This is where the foundation of your brioche begins!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs and 200ml milk. It’s best if the milk is at room temperature to help activate the yeast! Once mixed, pour this wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 3: Kneading the Dough
Now, it’s time to knead! Turn the mixture out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You want to work it until it’s smooth and elastic. As you knead, gradually incorporate the 200g softened butter—this will take some patience, but keep at it! The dough should start to come together beautifully.
Step 4: Adding Fruits and Flavor
Once your dough is nice and smooth, it’s time to fold in the 100g raisins and 100g candied orange peel. Gently mix them in until evenly distributed. The sweet bursts of fruit will make your brioche extra special!
Step 5: Rising the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours. You’ll want it to double in size—this is crucial for that fluffy texture we all love!
Step 6: Shaping and Second Rise
Once it’s risen, punch the dough down gently to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes. This second rise is essential for getting that perfect brioche texture!
Step 7: Baking
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has risen nicely, pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s talk about how to make your Christmas brioche truly shine! First off, if you can, use fresh yeast instead of instant. It gives your dough a lovely rise and a richer flavor. If you’re using instant yeast, just make sure it’s not expired—trust me, stale yeast can ruin your whole batch!
Also, remember to let your butter come to room temperature. Softened butter blends in much easier and contributes to that dreamy texture we’re after. And don’t rush the rising times! This dough loves to take its time, so find a cozy spot for it to rise. The longer it rises, the fluffier your brioche will be. Ooh, and before you know it, you’ll have a stunning loaf that’s just begging to be shared!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying a slice of this delightful Christmas brioche, it’s good to know what you’re savoring! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per slice, so you can indulge with a bit of awareness:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every bite of this festive treat, knowing it’s packed with love and tradition!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about making Christmas brioche, so let’s tackle a few common ones to help you out!
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of strong white bread flour?
While you can use all-purpose flour, I highly recommend sticking with strong white bread flour for the best results. It has a higher protein content, which gives your brioche that delightful texture we all love!
What can I substitute for candied orange peel?
If you can’t find candied orange peel, don’t worry! You can use lemon zest for a fresh twist or even dried fruit like cranberries or apricots to keep that fruity goodness in your brioche.
How should I store leftover brioche?
To keep your Christmas brioche fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, you can slice it and freeze it! Just wrap each slice in plastic wrap and pop it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just take it out to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This can deepen the flavors too—bonus!
What’s the best way to serve Christmas brioche?
There are so many delightful ways to enjoy this festive bread! You can serve it warm with butter and jam, or even toast it for breakfast. Some folks love to use it in French toast or bread pudding. The possibilities are endless!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of sweet raisins, candied orange peel, and a hint of vanilla creates a warm, inviting taste that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this stunning loaf without feeling overwhelmed. I promise, you’ll feel like a pro!
- Family Tradition: Making Christmas brioche can become a cherished family tradition, bringing everyone together to share stories and enjoy the delicious results.
- Versatile Treat: Whether served warm with butter, transformed into French toast, or enjoyed plain, this brioche is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert!
- Impressive Presentation: The golden-brown crust and soft, fluffy interior make this brioche not only tasty but also a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Great for Gifting: Share the love by gifting a loaf to friends and neighbors—it’s a heartfelt way to spread holiday cheer!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delightful Christmas brioche, you’ll want to keep it fresh for as long as possible. To store any leftovers, simply place the brioche in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay delicious for about three days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider slicing it up and freezing those slices. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice of that festive goodness even weeks later!
When you’re ready to indulge again, just take out the slice you want and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. If you prefer it warm, pop it in a toaster or oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. Oh, that warm, buttery aroma will fill your kitchen again, making it feel just like the holidays! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like savoring a slice of Christmas brioche fresh from the oven, no matter how many days have passed since you baked it!
Print
Christmas Brioche: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf 1x
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and sweet bread ideal for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 500g strong white bread flour
- 75g sugar
- 10g salt
- 10g instant yeast
- 4 large eggs
- 200ml milk
- 200g unsalted butter (softened)
- 100g raisins
- 100g candied orange peel
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
- Incorporate softened butter gradually.
- Add raisins and candied peel, mix well.
- Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place in a greased pan.
- Let it rise again for 30-60 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for better results.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Can be served with butter or jam.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Christmas brioche