Holiday Delight Bread Recipe: A Festive Baking Tradition
This cozy holiday bread is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for festive gatherings. It's soft, sweet, and filled with dried fruits and nuts.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ cup mixed dried fruits
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- ¼ cup candied orange peel
- 1 large egg for egg wash
- 1 tbsp milk for egg wash
- to taste powdered sugar optional
Instructions
- Mix warm milk and sugar until dissolved, then sprinkle yeast and let sit until frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt, then create a well and add yeast mixture, butter, eggs, and extracts.
- Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Fold in dried fruits, nuts, and optional candied orange peel, kneading gently.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the risen dough, shape it, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Whisk egg and milk for egg wash, then brush over the shaped bread.
- Let rise again for 30 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Serve warm with butter or cream cheese for an extra treat.