The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than with a deliciously spiced loaf of holiday bread? Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to serve at your next holiday gathering or a savory accompaniment to your favorite dishes, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 festive holiday bread recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic cinnamon swirl loaves to innovative flavor combinations like pistachio and cranberry sourdough, these breads are the perfect way to add some extra cheer to your holiday celebrations. And with a range of sweet and savory options, there’s something for everyone on this list. So why not start planning your holiday baking now? Read on to discover the 20 most deliciously spiced holiday bread recipes out there.
Cinnamon Swirl Holiday Loaf
Brighten up your holiday gathering with this warm and aromatic Cinnamon Swirl Holiday Loaf, perfect for snacking or serving as a centerpiece. This easy-to-make recipe combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and butter in a sweet bread that’s sure to become a new tradition.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, eggs, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add cinnamon and whisk to combine.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
6. Mix brown sugar and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl. Spread over the loaf, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Roll up dough tightly, starting from one long side. Place seam-side down in loaf pan.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cranberry Orange Christmas Bread
This sweet and tangy bread is a perfect addition to your holiday table. With the combination of fresh cranberries, orange zest, and warm spices, it’s sure to become a new family tradition.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add softened butter, egg, cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Eggnog Brioche with Vanilla Glaze
Warm up with a sweet and buttery treat this holiday season! This Eggnog Brioche with Vanilla Glaze recipe combines the richness of brioche with the creamy sweetness of eggnog, topped off with a drizzle of velvety vanilla glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup eggnog
– Vanilla glaze ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Beat in melted butter, eggs, and eggnog.
4. Knead dough on floured surface for 10-12 minutes.
5. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Prepare vanilla glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
8. Drizzle over cooled brioche.
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Gingerbread Pull-Apart Bread
Start your day or brighten up your evening with this scrumptious and aromatic gingerbread pull-apart bread. The combination of moist, spicy dough and sweet icing will transport you to a cozy winter wonderland.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, ginger, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Cut into 12 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a ball and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
7. While still warm, drizzle with melted butter and dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Peppermint Chocolate Babka
Combine the warmth of chocolate and the invigoration of peppermint for a unique dessert experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add lukewarm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Spread with chocolate chips and peppermint extract.
6. Roll up the dough tightly and place in the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Spiced Apple Cider Bread
This moist and aromatic bread is infused with the flavors of fall, featuring warm spices and the sweetness of apple cider.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
4. Beat in egg and apple cider until well combined.
5. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Holiday Wreath
Get into the holiday spirit with this fragrant and festive wreath, infused with the warm spices of pumpkin pie.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 10-12 evergreen sprigs (such as rosemary or eucalyptus)
– Floral wire and floral tape
Instructions:
1. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the melted white chocolate. Stir until well combined.
3. Dip each evergreen sprig into the spiced white chocolate mixture, coating about 1 inch of the stem end.
4. Place the coated sprigs onto a piece of floral tape, leaving a small gap between each stem.
5. Wrap the floral wire around the stems to secure the wreath shape.
6. Allow the wreath to dry completely before displaying.
Cooking Time: None
Chestnut and Raisin Stollen
This traditional German Christmas bread combines sweet and savory flavors with the warmth of chestnuts and raisins, perfect for a festive holiday treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup chestnut puree (canned or cooked)
– 1/2 cup golden raisins
– 1 tablespoon rum extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms. Beat in egg.
4. Stir in chestnut puree, raisins, and rum extract (if using).
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
These sweet treats combine the richness of maple syrup with the crunch of pecans, all wrapped up in a buttery, flaky dough. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these sticky buns are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Brush with maple syrup and sprinkle with pecans.
7. Roll up the dough tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each bun.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional) before serving.
Rosemary Garlic Focaccia for the Holidays
Perfectly seasoned with rosemary and garlic, this Italian-inspired focaccia is a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. With its soft, pillowy texture and savory flavors, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, garlic, and rosemary to the mixture; stir until combined.
3. Gradually add flour, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a rectangular loaf. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Almond Holiday Braid
Elevate your holiday table with this sweet and savory Cherry Almond Holiday Braid, perfect for a festive breakfast or brunch gathering. This show-stopping bread is filled with dried cherries, crunchy almonds, and a hint of orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups warm water
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup dried cherries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Fold in dried cherries, almonds, and orange zest.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Gently shape the dough into a braid and place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cardamom Saffron Christmas Bread
Cardamom Saffron Christmas Bread Recipe
Warm up this holiday season with the aromatic flavors of cardamom and saffron in this unique and delicious Christmas bread recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add sugar, flour, ground cardamom, saffron with its soaking liquid, melted butter, egg, and orange zest. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough, shape into a round or oblong loaf, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
These sweet potato cinnamon rolls combine the warm spices of traditional cinnamon rolls with the natural sweetness and creamy texture of cooked sweet potatoes. Perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth.
5. Roll out dough into a large rectangle. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
6. Roll up tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Dark Chocolate Panettone
Elevate your holiday celebrations with this rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Panettone, infused with the deep flavors of dark chocolate and topped with a crunchy hazelnut streusel.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Hazelnut streusel topping (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead for 10 minutes, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
6. Fold in dark chocolate chips.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Hazelnut Streusel Topping:
– 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over panettone before baking.
Eggnog French Toast Bread Pudding
A sweet and indulgent twist on the classic bread pudding, this Eggnog French Toast Bread Pudding combines the comfort of warm bread with the creamy richness of eggnog.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale French toast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup eggnog
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, eggnog, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
3. Add the bread cubes and toss until evenly coated.
4. Pour in the melted butter and stir until absorbed.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. If desired, drizzle with heavy cream before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pistachio and Cranberry Sourdough
Elevate your bread game with this unique combination of crunchy pistachios and tart cranberries, perfectly balanced by the tanginess of sourdough.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh or dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp water
Instructions:
1. Mix sourdough starter and 1 cup of warm water (around 90°F) in a bowl until fully dissolved.
2. Add flour, cranberries, pistachios, and salt to the mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature (around 70°F) for 4-5 hours or overnight in the fridge.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Shape the dough into a round or oblong loaf. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Brighten up your day with this refreshing bread, infused with the brightness of lemon and the crunch of poppy seeds. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and egg until light and fluffy. Add lemon juice and whisk until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in poppy seeds. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
7. While still warm, prepare glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon milk.
8. Drizzle glaze over bread.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spiced Pear and Walnut Loaf
This moist and aromatic loaf combines the sweetness of pears with the earthiness of walnuts, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or as a thoughtful gift. The warm spices add a comforting depth to this delightful bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 ripe pears, diced (about 1 cup)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, pears, and walnuts; mix until just combined.
4. Pour in honey and mix until the batter is smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread
Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread Recipe
Sweet, gooey caramel and crunchy pecans elevate this classic monkey bread recipe to a whole new level.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.4 oz) package of Rhodes frozen dinner rolls, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and light brown sugar.
3. Roll out dinner rolls into 12 equal pieces. Place each piece on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle the sugar mixture evenly over the rolls.
5. Dot the top of each roll with heavy cream and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and drizzle with caramel sauce while still warm.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Vanilla Bean Holiday Challah
This sweet bread is a perfect addition to any holiday gathering, with its tender crumb and subtle vanilla flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Knead dough on floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Place dough in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool on wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
The holiday season is upon us! Get into the festive spirit with these deliciously spiced and aromatic bread recipes. From sweet treats like Cinnamon Swirl Holiday Loaf and Peppermint Chocolate Babka to savory options like Rosemary Garlic Focaccia and Spiced Apple Cider Bread, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece or a cozy breakfast treat, these 20 festive holiday bread recipes are sure to impress your friends and family. So go ahead, get baking, and make this holiday season one to remember!
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