Christmas is a time to savor rich flavors and indulge in festive treats. While cookies, cakes, and pies are the usual go-to desserts, there’s something uniquely comforting about freshly baked bread during the holiday season. Whether enjoyed with a warm beverage like hot chocolate or as part of a holiday spread, these three decadent bread recipes are sure to add a touch of indulgence to your Christmas celebration. Chef Amit Sharma, co-founder of Love & Cheesecake, shares three delightful bread recipes that range from chocolatey to citrusy flavors, with roots in Italy, Poland, and Germany.
1. Holiday Babka
A sweet, braided bread filled with rich chocolate, the Holiday Babka is a true holiday treat. Originating from Ukraine and Poland, this bread is perfect for Christmas with its decadent flavor and festive appearance.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup lukewarm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup dark chocolate (chopped)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Syrup:
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
- Prepare the Dough: Mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla to form a soft dough, then knead for 10 minutes. Let it rise for 1-1.5 hours.
- Prepare the Filling: Melt the chocolate and butter together, then mix in sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let cool.
- Shape the Babka: Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the chocolate filling, roll it up, slice it, twist into a braid, and place in a greased pan. Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30-35 minutes. Brush with the syrup for a sweet, shiny finish.
2. Panettone Bread
A traditional Italian Christmas bread, Panettone is fluffy, buttery, and bursting with citrusy and nutty flavors. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with a cup of warm tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 tsp yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
- Prepare the Dough: Dissolve yeast in warm milk with sugar. Mix flour, sugar, butter, eggs, zest, and yeast mixture to form a sticky dough.
- Add Dried Fruits: Knead in dried fruits and let the dough rise.
- Shape and Bake: Shape into a round loaf, place in a panettone mold, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes. Garnish with powdered sugar and candied orange slices.
3. Stollen Bread
Stollen is a dense, sweet German bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan. Flavored with warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom, this bread is perfect for the winter holiday season.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (soaked in rum)
- ¼ cup chopped almonds
- 200g marzipan (rolled into a log)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Method
- Prepare the Dough: Combine yeast, warm milk, and sugar, then mix with flour, butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Knead into a smooth dough.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Incorporate dried fruits, almonds, and cinnamon. Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
- Shape and Bake: Roll out the dough, place marzipan in the center, fold, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40-45 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
These delightful bread recipes will bring festive warmth to your Christmas table. Whether you prefer the rich, chocolatey Babka, the citrusy Panettone, or the spiced Stollen, each offers a special touch to your holiday menu. Happy baking!
