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Best Christmas Bread Recipe for Holiday Breakfasts

A festive, tender cinnamon-swirl Christmas Bread inspired by timeless European holiday traditions, complete with a creamy glaze and warm seasonal spices.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Holiday Bread
Cuisine: European
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl.
  2. Warm milk to 110–115°F and mix with melted butter and beaten eggs.
  3. Add wet ingredients to dry and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth.
  4. Let dough rise until doubled in size.
  5. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create filling; add nuts or dried fruit if desired.
  6. Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle and spread filling evenly.
  7. Roll tightly from the long edge and slice into rolls.
  8. Place slices in a greased 9×13 pan and let rise again.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  10. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
  11. 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.