The holiday season is all about gathering, warmth, and the delightful aroma of baked goods filling your home. Bread plays a special role, offering comfort and nostalgia. From sweet to savory, we’ve compiled 14 festive bread recipes that will charm your taste buds while infusing your home with the scents of the season. Let’s get baking!
1. Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Bursting with cinnamon flavor, this bread is a holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Process:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes.
- Let dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled. Roll out, spread with butter, sprinkle with sugars, and roll into a log.
- Place in a greased loaf pan and let rise for another 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add raisins or chopped nuts for texture.
2. Cranberry Orange Bread
Bright and tangy, this bread is perfect for holiday brunches.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
Process:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix all ingredients until just combined.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make it Unique:
Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
3. Pumpernickel Bread
Rich in flavor, this hearty bread pairs well with cheeses and spreads.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Combine all ingredients and knead for 10 minutes. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape into a loaf, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Try adding caraway seeds for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Gingerbread Loaf
Fill your home with the warm spices of the season.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ cup molasses
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another, then combine.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Substitute honey for molasses for a milder taste.
5. Honey Wheat Bread
Nutty and slightly sweet, this bread is perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 packet yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Combine all ingredients and knead for 8 minutes. Let rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Shape into a loaf and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Mix in seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for added crunch.
6. Rosemary Focaccia
Aromatic and savory, this bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 packet yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Fresh rosemary
Process:
- Mix and knead all ingredients into a soft dough, then let rise for 1 hour.
- Flatten, dimple with fingers, sprinkle with rosemary, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Top with olives or cherry tomatoes for added flavor.
7. Sweet Potato Bread
Sweet and moist, this bread is a lovely addition to holiday meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potato
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
Process:
- Combine ingredients and knead until smooth. Let rise until doubled.
- Shape, let rise a bit more, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Incorporate spices like nutmeg for warmth.
8. Challah Bread
A classic Jewish bread, perfect for festive meals and gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 packets yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Mix all ingredients into a dough and knead nicely. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Braid pieces of the dough and then let rise for another 30 minutes before baking at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Experiment with a sweetened filling like chocolate or nuts.
9. Apple Cinnamon Bread
This bread captures the essence of autumn in every slice.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup diced apples
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
Process:
- Combine ingredients, then fold in apples. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes until golden.
Make it Unique:
Use pears instead of apples for a different twist.
10. Nutmeg Sweet Bread
This subtly spiced bread is a treat for holiday mornings.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup butter
Process:
- Mix ingredients and knead into a dough, letting it rise until doubled for about an hour.
- Shape and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Sprinkle with coconut before baking for an extra flair.
11. Herb Garlic Bread
Savory and aromatic, this bread is a perfect side for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons mixed herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
Process:
- Combine all ingredients into a dough, letting it rise for 1 hour.
- Shape into a loaf, let rise for 30 minutes, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add cheese into the dough for a rich flavor.
12. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
A crowd-pleaser, combining sweet bananas and chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 eggs
Process:
- Mash bananas and mix with other wet ingredients. Combine with dry ingredients.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-70 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add walnuts for a crunchy texture.
13. Chocolate Babka
Indulge in this deliciously decadent bread.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet yeast
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup chocolate spread
Process:
- Prepare your dough, let rise for 1 hour. Roll out, spread chocolate, then roll into a log.
- Braid and place in a loaf pan, let rise and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Substituting Nutella for chocolate spread offers a delightful difference.
14. Vanilla Bean Brioche
This rich and buttery bread is perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 vanilla bean (scraped)
Process:
- Mix ingredients into a soft dough, letting rise for an hour.
- Shape into a loaf, let rise again, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add a fruit filling for extra flavor.
Wrapping up your holiday baking with these 14 bread recipes will not only fill your home with warmth but also create wonderful memories with loved ones around the table. Each recipe offers a delightful mix of flavors, inviting you to share and enjoy. So grab your ingredients and start baking—your holiday season will thank you!