Description
A festive bread filled with warm spices and sweet dried fruits, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
- Milk wash (for brushing)
Instructions
- Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a medium bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Fold in the dried fruits and nuts.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf pan. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Brush the top with a milk wash and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from the pan and slicing.
Notes
Serve warm with butter, jam, or as part of a holiday charcuterie board. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg