Description
A festive, tender cinnamon-swirl Christmas Bread inspired by timeless European holiday traditions, complete with a creamy glaze and warm seasonal spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup softened butter (filling)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese (glaze)
- 1/2 cup softened butter (glaze)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–4 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl.
- Warm milk to 110–115°F and mix with melted butter and beaten eggs.
- Add wet ingredients to dry and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth.
- Let dough rise until doubled in size.
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create filling; add nuts or dried fruit if desired.
- Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle and spread filling evenly.
- Roll tightly from the long edge and slice into rolls.
- Place slices in a greased 9×13 pan and let rise again.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
- Spread glaze over warm bread before serving.
Notes
Allow the rolls to rise fully for the best texture, and glaze while warm for a perfectly melting finish.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Holiday Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Christmas Bread, cinnamon swirl bread, holiday baking, festive bread