Christmas Bread Machine Recipes for Easy Festive Baking

The holiday season is the perfect time to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread. Nothing quite captures the spirit of Christmas like a homemade loaf infused with festive spices, dried fruits, and nuts.

But baking bread can sometimes feel intimidating or time-consuming, especially during the busy holidays. That’s where the magic of a bread machine comes in!

With just a few simple ingredients and the push of a button, you can create delicious, soft, and flavorful Christmas breads that will wow your family and guests. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these Christmas bread machine recipes will add joy and warmth to your celebrations.

In this post, I’ll share some wonderful recipes and tips to help you make the most of your bread machine this Christmas. From classic fruit breads to spiced loaves, these recipes are designed to be easy, festive, and utterly delicious.

So, grab your bread machine and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Using a bread machine for your Christmas bread recipes brings convenience and consistency to holiday baking. You don’t have to worry about kneading dough or watching the oven constantly – the machine handles it all for you.

This means you can focus on other holiday tasks while your bread bakes to perfection.

These recipes are also incredibly customizable. You can add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or spices to match your family’s tastes.

Plus, homemade bread is fresher and more flavorful than store-bought alternatives, making your holiday table truly special. The perfect gift to yourself and your loved ones this season!

Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel (optional)

Equipment

• Bread machine with a fruit and nut dispenser or paddle attachment
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (for any pre-soaking or mixing extras)
• Cooling rack
• Sharp knife or bread slicer

Instructions

1. Prepare your bread machine: Ensure the bread pan and kneading paddle are properly installed in your bread machine. Check the instruction manual for any specific settings related to fruit breads.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Pour the warm milk, softened butter, and egg into the bread pan.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Carefully add the bread flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg over the wet ingredients. Make a small well in the flour (without reaching the wet layer) and add the yeast into this well.
4. Start the bread machine: Select the “Sweet Bread” or “Fruit Bread” cycle on your machine. If your bread machine has a fruit and nut dispenser, load the cranberries, nuts, and candied orange peel into it now. If not, prepare to add them manually later.
5. Add fruits and nuts: If your machine doesn’t have a dispenser, add the dried fruits and nuts when the machine signals (usually during the first kneading pause).
6. Let the machine do its magic: The bread machine will knead, rise, and bake the bread. This usually takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your machine’s cycle.
7. Cool the bread: Once baking is complete, carefully remove the bread pan and tip the loaf onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to preserve the bread’s structure and flavor.

Tips & Variations

“Always use fresh yeast and measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.”

• Use different dried fruits: Swap cranberries for raisins, dried cherries, or chopped dates to suit your taste.
• Nut options: Try almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios instead of walnuts or pecans for a different crunch and flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra Christmas warmth.
• Make it vegan: Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter alternative. Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).
• Glaze option: Brush the warm bread with a simple mixture of powdered sugar and orange juice for a shiny, sweet finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This festive bread is delightful enjoyed fresh with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or mulled wine during your holiday gatherings.

For a special breakfast, serve slices toasted with a drizzle of honey or your favorite nut butter. It also makes a lovely base for holiday French toast or bread pudding recipes.

Don’t forget to include this recipe in your holiday brunch or gift it as a homemade treat wrapped in festive paper!

More Christmas Bread Machine Recipes to Try

Classic Cinnamon Swirl Bread

A soft white bread rolled with cinnamon and brown sugar, perfect for breakfast or snacking. This recipe uses similar ingredients but includes a cinnamon sugar swirl added during the kneading phase.

Panettone-Inspired Bread Machine Recipe

A sweet Italian bread filled with candied fruits and raisins. It’s light, airy, and beautifully festive.

Great for those wanting a traditional European Christmas bread without the fuss.

Gingerbread Loaf with Molasses

This bread combines the warm spices of gingerbread with a touch of molasses for a rich, dark loaf. It’s excellent toasted or served with cream cheese frosting.

Orange Cranberry Nut Bread

Bright and tangy with orange zest and fresh cranberries, this loaf is a holiday favorite. The nuts add a satisfying crunch, making it a perfect snack or dessert bread.

For more creative and healthy holiday recipes, check out these related posts:

• Best Vegan Christmas Pudding Recipe for Festive Joy
• Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats
• Best Vegan Latte Recipe for Creamy, Delicious Mornings

Conclusion

Christmas bread machine recipes are a fantastic way to bring the festive spirit to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these recipes offer warmth, tradition, and deliciousness all wrapped up in one loaf.

The convenience of the bread machine means you can enjoy homemade bread without the stress, leaving more time for holiday cheer and celebration.

Experiment with different fruits, nuts, and spices to create your own signature Christmas bread that will become a beloved holiday tradition. Don’t forget to explore other festive recipes on the site to complement your bread and round out your holiday menu perfectly.

Happy baking and Merry Christmas!

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