Cinnamon Christmas Bread Recipe

Indulge in the warm, festive flavors of this Cinnamon Christmas Bread, a delightful holiday treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a cozy snack. This soft, tender bread is swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a sweet glaze. It’s a great addition to any Christmas morning or holiday gathering.

What Is Cinnamon Christmas Bread?

Cinnamon Christmas Bread is a fluffy, yeast-based bread with a swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar baked inside. Topped with a simple vanilla glaze, it’s a holiday favorite that combines the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls with the sliceable convenience of a loaf. Perfect for sharing or gifting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
• Festive Flavors: Classic holiday spices create a warm and cozy treat.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or as a gift.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and enjoy fresh from the oven.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 2 tbsp (15 g) cinnamon
• 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp (30-45 ml) milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shaping the Bread

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 9×15-inch (23×38 cm) rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
2. Brush the dough with melted butter and evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the top.
3. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal.

Baking the Bread

1. Place the rolled dough seam-side down in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and baked through. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Glazing the Bread

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Let it set before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm slices with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for the perfect holiday breakfast.
• Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced festive brunch.
• Slice and toast with a dollop of butter for a cozy winter snack.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat slices in the microwave or toaster.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
• Dried Fruits: Sprinkle raisins or dried cranberries into the cinnamon-sugar layer.
• Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based milk and butter for the dairy ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, use the same amount of instant yeast, and you can skip the initial proofing step.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Tap the top of the loaf—it should sound hollow. Alternatively, use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).

This Cinnamon Christmas Bread is an irresistible holiday treat that will make your kitchen smell like Christmas! Its soft texture, sweet cinnamon swirl, and drizzle of vanilla glaze make it the ultimate festive loaf. Try it this holiday season, and don’t forget to share your results with friends and family. Happy baking!

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