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Festive Christmas Bread

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A soft and fluffy bread that fills your home with warmth and holiday cheer, perfect for sharing during the season.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: orange zest, dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or candied fruit
  • For finishing: egg wash, coarse sugar, or sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. In a big bowl, stir warm milk with sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Whisk in eggs, melted but cooled butter, and vanilla. Add flour and salt in stages, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 7 to 10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6 minutes, until smooth and springy.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 60 to 90 minutes in a warm kitchen).
  5. Shape the dough and place in a greased 9-inch pan or braid and place on a parchment-lined sheet.
  6. Cover and let the shaped dough puff until increased by about 50 percent.
  7. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle optional sugar or nuts, and bake at 350°F until golden and hollow-sounding (about 28 to 35 minutes).
  8. Let it cool at least 20 minutes before slicing. Optionally, drizzle with icing or spread with butter.

Notes

For best results, allow the dough to rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Warm milk should feel like a warm bath, not hot. Brush with egg wash for a shiny finish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://voxrecipes.com/deliciously-fluffy-festive-christmas-bread/