Baking Special Breads for Christmas Week: A Festive Tradition

As the chill of December fills the air and the festive season begins, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread to warm up your home. 

Christmas week is a time for family, celebration, and indulgence, and what better way to mark the occasion than by baking a selection of special breads that can be enjoyed throughout the holiday?

Here are some delightful breads to add a festive touch to your Christmas week.

1. Stollen: A German Classic

Stollen is a rich, fruit-filled bread that’s synonymous with Christmas. Originating in Germany, this bread is traditionally packed with dried fruits, nuts, marzipan, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Dusted with icing sugar, Stollen resembles a snowy winter landscape, making it a perfect centrepiece for your Christmas table.

Ingredients:

500g strong white bread flour

100g caster sugar

10g salt

150ml warm milk

1 egg

100g unsalted butter

200g dried mixed fruits (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas)

100g marzipan

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

Icing sugar for dusting

Method:

Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, egg, and butter until well combined.

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the flour mixture to form a dough.

Knead for about 10 minutes, then add in the dried fruits, zest, and spices.

Let the dough rise for an hour in a warm place.

Once risen, shape the dough and place the marzipan in the centre, folding it over to seal.

Bake at 180°C for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.

Once cooled, dust generously with icing sugar and serve with mulled wine or hot chocolate.

2. Panettone: The Italian Sweet Bread

Panettone is an Italian Christmas classic that has become beloved worldwide. This tall, sweet bread is light, airy, and studded with candied fruits, citrus peel, and sometimes chocolate. It’s perfect for breakfast on Christmas morning or as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

Ingredients:

600g strong white bread flour

100g caster sugar

10g salt

250ml warm milk

3 eggs

150g unsalted butter

200g mixed candied fruits

1 tsp vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp yeast

Method:

Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm milk and setting it aside for 5 minutes until frothy.

Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

Add the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, vanilla, and zest into the dry ingredients, forming a sticky dough.

Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.

Incorporate the candied fruits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Allow the dough to rise for at least two hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the dough and place it in a high-sided tin or panettone mould, then bake at 180°C for 40-45 minutes, until golden and risen.

Once cooled, dust with icing sugar or glaze with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

3. Cranberry and Orange Spiced Loaf

This fruity, spiced loaf is a delightful addition to any Christmas spread. The tartness of cranberries combined with the zestiness of oranges creates a harmonious flavour, while the addition of cinnamon and cloves adds that warming, Christmassy vibe.

Ingredients:

500g plain flour

100g light brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground cloves

10g salt

100g dried cranberries

Zest of 2 oranges

300ml warm milk

100g unsalted butter

1 egg

Method:

Combine the flour, sugar, spices, and salt in a mixing bowl.

Mix in the milk, butter, and egg to form a dough.

Fold in the cranberries and orange zest.

Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.

Allow the dough to rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape the dough into a loaf, place it in a tin, and bake at 180°C for 30-35 minutes.

Brush the top with melted butter once out of the oven, then allow it to cool.

Serve warm with butter or a tangy orange marmalade.

4. Irish Barmbrack: A Taste of Tradition

Though traditionally baked around Halloween, Barmbrack is a wonderful spiced fruit loaf that also fits perfectly into the Christmas week celebrations. It’s light, sweet, and best enjoyed with lashings of butter and a strong cup of tea.

Ingredients:

500g strong white bread flour

75g sugar

10g salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground nutmeg

200ml warm milk

1 egg

100g dried fruits

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp yeast

Method:

Mix the flour, sugar, spices, and yeast in a bowl.

Add the warm milk and egg, forming a dough.

Knead for 8 minutes, then fold in the dried fruits and lemon zest.

Let the dough rise for an hour, then shape into a round loaf.

Bake at 190°C for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.

Once cooled, serve with butter and perhaps a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Conclusion

Christmas week is the perfect time to bake something truly special. These festive breads add a personal and traditional touch to your celebrations, filling your home with warmth, wonderful aromas, and delicious flavours. Whether you’re gathering with family, hosting friends, or simply enjoying a quiet day by the fire, these breads are sure to bring joy to your tabl

Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!