Christmas Wreath Bread Recipe: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

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Christmas Wreath Bread is a gorgeous, delicious treat that will brighten up any holiday gathering. With its soft, sweet yeast dough and two delightful fillings, this wreath-shaped bread is not only visually stunning but also packed with festive flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday breakfast or give a homemade gift, this bread is the perfect choice.

Why Christmas Wreath Bread Is Perfect for the Holidays

Christmas Wreath Bread is an excellent addition to any holiday spread. This soft, slightly sweet, and fragrant bread features two fillings that bring out the best of the season’s flavors. The bread’s versatility makes it ideal for various occasions — from family breakfasts to holiday parties, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it the perfect stress-free holiday treat.

Ingredients for Christmas Wreath Bread

For the dough:

Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and adds softness to the dough.

Dry Active Yeast: Essential for the dough to rise and become light and airy.
Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
Melted Butter: Adds flavor and moisture.
Salt: Enhances the flavors in the dough.
Flour: The base of the dough that provides structure and texture.
Egg + Milk: Used for an egg wash to give the bread a beautiful golden finish.

For the first filling:

Melted Butter: Adds richness to the filling.
Sugar: Sweetens the filling for a comforting flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a signature holiday spice.

For the second filling:

Melted Butter: Acts as the base of the filling.
White Chocolate: Offers a creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
Dried Cranberries: Adds tartness and a pop of color.
Orange Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy kick that balances the sweetness.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for alternative ingredients or ways to customize your Christmas Wreath Bread, here are a few suggestions:

Butter: For a dairy-free version, use margarine or coconut oil.
Flour: Gluten-free flour blends can replace all-purpose flour for a gluten-free wreath bread.
White Chocolate: Dark chocolate chips or a chocolate hazelnut spread can be used as a substitute.

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used if dried cranberries are unavailable.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Wreath Bread

Proof the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, dry yeast, sugar, and about six tablespoons of flour. Stir to combine and let the mixture sit in a warm place for 15-20 minutes. It should bubble and froth, indicating the yeast is activated.
Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Add the proofed yeast mixture, followed by half of the flour. Switch to a dough hook and gradually add the remaining flour while kneading the dough. Let it knead for 10-15 minutes until it’s soft and slightly sticky.

First Rise: Coat a clean bowl with vegetable oil and place the dough inside. Cover and let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Fillings:
- For the first filling, combine melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
- For the second filling, mix melted butter, orange zest, white chocolate, and dried cranberries.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, deflate it and divide it into two pieces. Roll the first piece into a rectangle and spread the cinnamon filling evenly across it. Roll it up tightly, cut it lengthwise, and twist the two halves around each other. Shape into a wreath and seal the ends.
Second Layer: Roll the second piece of dough, spread the orange chocolate filling, and repeat the twisting process to form another wreath. Let both wreaths rise for about 30 minutes.

Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the wreaths with an egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar.

Tips & Tricks

Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, when proofing the yeast. Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold will prevent it from activating.
Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, add a touch more milk; if too sticky, add a little more flour.

Storage: You can bake the wreath bread up to two days ahead. After cooling completely, wrap it tightly in foil and store at room temperature. Reheat in a preheated oven for about 10 minutes before serving.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Christmas Wreath Bread is a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table, but you can also pair it with a variety of dishes to make a festive meal:

Breakfast Pairings: Serve with a side of scrambled eggs, sausage, or a fruit salad for a complete breakfast.

Holiday Brunch: It’s perfect for a holiday brunch alongside mimosas or spiced coffee.
Make-Ahead: This bread can be prepared the day before your celebration, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

Health and Cultural Benefits of Christmas Wreath Bread

This Christmas Wreath Bread is not only a delightful holiday treat but also a great way to bring family and friends together in the kitchen. Baking together is a wonderful tradition that builds lasting memories, and this recipe is simple enough for everyone to join in. While indulgent, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced holiday feast.

Enjoy this festive, sweet, and spiced bread that will surely become a beloved part of your Christmas celebrations for years to come. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, as a gift, or just to treat yourself, this Christmas Wreath Bread will impress every time!

Conclusion

Christmas Wreath Bread is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family, friends, and loved ones. Its delightful blend of sweet yeast dough, aromatic cinnamon, and refreshing orange zest filling is sure to bring joy to your holiday gatherings. This recipe not only makes a stunning centerpiece but is also versatile enough to be shared as a thoughtful gift. With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and festive treat that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the holiday spirit, and make this beautiful wreath bread part of your holiday traditions!

FAQs about Christmas Wreath Bread

1. Can I make Christmas Wreath Bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and fillings the day before, shape the wreath, and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh the next day, and enjoy!

2. Can I freeze Christmas Wreath Bread?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked wreath bread. Shape it, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw and rise before baking as directed.

3. Can I use a different filling for the Christmas Wreath Bread?

Yes, feel free to get creative with the fillings! You can use nuts, berries, or even chocolate spreads as alternatives. Just make sure to balance the sweetness and texture for a great result.

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Christmas Wreath Bread

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Author: Anna
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 2 wreaths 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Christmas Wreath Bread is a festive holiday treat made with soft, sweet yeast dough and two delicious fillings: a cinnamon butter filling and a tangy orange and white chocolate filling. This visually stunning bread is perfect for any holiday gathering, whether it’s a breakfast treat or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale

200 ml warm milk
7g dry active yeast
100g sugar
2 eggs
70g melted butter
1/4 tsp salt
550–600g sifted flour
1 egg + 1 tbsp milk for egg wash
30g melted butter (first filling)
80g sugar (first filling)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (first filling)
30g melted butter (second filling)
60g chopped white chocolate (second filling)
60g dried cranberries (second filling)
Zest of 1 orange (second filling)

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Instructions

In a bowl, combine warm milk, dry yeast, sugar, and about six tablespoons of flour. Stir and let the mixture sit in a warm place for 15-20 minutes to proof the yeast.

In a stand mixer, combine eggs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Add the proofed yeast mixture and half of the flour. Switch to a dough hook and knead, gradually adding the remaining flour. Knead for 10-15 minutes until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the fillings. Mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for the first filling. For the second filling, mix melted butter, orange zest, white chocolate, and dried cranberries.

Once the dough has risen, deflate it and divide it into two pieces. Roll the first piece into a rectangle and spread the cinnamon butter filling over it. Roll it up tightly, seal the edge, cut it lengthwise, and twist the two halves around each other to form a wreath shape. Pinch the ends together to seal and place it on a baking sheet.
Repeat with the second piece of dough and the orange and white chocolate filling, forming another wreath. Let both wreaths rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the wreaths with a mixture of egg and milk and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.

Allow the wreaths to cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, when proofing the yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough and fillings a day ahead and store them in the fridge overnight.
If the dough is too sticky to handle, add a small amount of extra flour but be cautious not to make the dough too firm.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Baking, Holiday
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Holiday