‘Tis the season for cozying up with a warm, fragrant loaf fresh from the oven. As the holidays approach, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from your kitchen can bring joy and comfort to family and friends gathered around the table. This year, why not try something new and delicious? We’ve rounded up 20 festive holiday bread recipes that are sure to become a new tradition in your household.
From classic cinnamon swirls and gingerbread wreaths to creative twists like maple pecan and lemon poppy seed, our collection has something for every taste and baking level. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece or a quick and easy breakfast option, we’ve got you covered with these mouthwatering holiday bread recipes.
Cinnamon Swirl Holiday Bread
This sweet bread is a perfect addition to your holiday gathering. With the combination of soft, fluffy dough and gooey cinnamon swirls, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm water and melted butter; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
6. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Roll up the dough tightly; place in prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cranberry Orange Holiday Loaf
This moist and flavorful loaf is perfect for the holiday season, combining the sweetness of orange with the tartness of cranberries. It makes a great centerpiece for your holiday table or a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup orange zest
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, mix softened butter, eggs, cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Holiday Bread
This sweet and spicy bread is a perfect treat to get you into the holiday spirit. The combination of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and sweet aromas will fill your home with cozy vibes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
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, mix sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Eggnog Brioche Holiday Bread
Kick off your holiday season with a sweet and indulgent bread that combines the richness of eggnog with the flaky, buttery goodness of brioche. This Eggnog Brioche Holiday Bread is perfect for serving alongside your favorite holiday dishes or as a gift to loved ones.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup eggnog
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
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). Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Gingerbread Holiday Wreath
Create a festive centerpiece for your holiday gatherings with this delicious and easy-to-make Gingerbread Holiday Wreath. Soft, chewy gingerbread dough is shaped into a wreath form and decorated with royal icing and edible decorations.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup soft brown sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– Royal icing and edible decorations for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes for the wreath form.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Allow to cool completely before decorating with royal icing and edible decorations.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Peppermint Chocolate Holiday Bread
Add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings with this refreshing and decadent bread, featuring the perfect balance of peppermint and chocolate flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (or 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies (or peppermint extract).
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Apple Cider Holiday Loaf
Start your holiday celebrations with this warm and aromatic Apple Cider Holiday Loaf, perfect for serving at family gatherings or as a gift to loved ones. This moist and flavorful bread is infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, egg, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Cherry Almond Holiday Bread
Cherry Almond Holiday Bread Recipe
Warm up your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory cherry almond bread, perfect for snacking or serving as a thoughtful gift.
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 cup dried cherries, chopped
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
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 350°F (180°C). Punch down the dough and mix in chopped cherries, sliced almonds, and almond extract.
6. Shape into a round loaf and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Maple Pecan Holiday Bread
Warm up your holiday gatherings with this sweet and nutty bread, infused with the rich flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans. Perfect for serving as a side dish or using as a base for French toast.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Proof yeast by mixing it with warm water; let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add maple syrup, yeast mixture, and melted butter to the dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped pecans.
5. Knead dough on floured surface for 10 minutes.
6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Punch down dough; shape into a round loaf.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Poppy Seed Holiday Loaf
Brighten up your holiday gathering with this refreshing and flavorful lemon poppy seed loaf. Moist, tender bread infused with the zest of lemons and the crunch of poppy seeds is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and poppy seeds; mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Raisin Walnut Holiday Bread
Get ready to warm up your holiday season with this sweet and savory Raisin Walnut Holiday Bread! This flavorful bread is packed with plump raisins, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of spice, making it the perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Banana Nut Holiday Bread
Warm up your holiday gatherings with this moist and flavorful banana nut bread, perfect for snacking or serving as a gift. The combination of ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and sweet spices will become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Caramel Sticky Holiday Bread
Gather your loved ones around the table this holiday season with a sweet and sticky bread that’s sure to become a new tradition. This Caramel Sticky Holiday Bread is an easy and impressive dessert that combines the warmth of caramelized sugar with the comfort of soft, fluffy bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm water and melted butter; mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough on prepared baking sheet, shaping into a loaf.
6. Brush with beaten egg and drizzle with caramel sauce.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chocolate Chip Holiday Loaf
Moist and flavorful, this chocolate chip holiday loaf is the perfect treat to bring to your next gathering or enjoy as a special indulgence at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
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, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
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.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Glazed Orange Holiday Bread
This glazed orange holiday bread is a perfect treat for your loved ones during the festive season. With its moist and flavorful orange-infused dough, topped with a sticky glaze, it’s sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine sugar, milk, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in melted butter.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. While bread is still warm, drizzle with glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons orange juice).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spiced Pear Holiday Bread
This sweet bread is infused with the warm aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfectly capturing the cozy essence of the holiday season. With the added sweetness of ripe pears, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 ripe pears, diced
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Fold in melted butter and diced pears.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
6. Place dough in prepared loaf pan and let rise for 1 hour.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vanilla Bean Holiday Loaf
This moist and flavorful loaf is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift. The combination of vanilla beans, sweet spices, and aromatic oils creates a truly special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel (optional)
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, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Blueberry Cream Cheese Holiday Bread
A sweet and savory combination of fresh blueberries and tangy cream cheese makes this holiday bread a perfect addition to your festive table.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in egg.
4. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth. Fold in blueberries.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Almond Joy Holiday Bread
Get into the holiday spirit with this sweet and savory bread infused with the flavors of Almond Joys, a classic candy treat. This moist and aromatic loaf is perfect for serving at your next festive gathering or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Stir in coconut, almonds, and almond extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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
Pistachio Rose Holiday Loaf
Celebrate the festive season with this unique and aromatic loaf, infused with the warm flavors of pistachios and rose petals.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pistachios
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup dried rose petals
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon milk
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, chopped pistachios, and ground cardamom. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
5. Stir in dried rose petals, egg, and milk.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool on a wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 20 delicious and festive holiday bread recipes! From classic cinnamon swirl to creative concoctions like caramel sticky and pistachio rose, there’s something for everyone on this list. Try your hand at making a pumpkin spice loaf or an eggnog brioche, or opt for a sweet treat like chocolate chip or cherry almond. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast item or just want to impress your holiday guests, these recipes are sure to be a hit.