German Christmas Bread Recipe
If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with the cozy scents and flavors of the holiday season, then this German Christmas Bread is an absolute must-try. This bread machine recipe combines warm spices, luscious raisins, and crunchy hazelnuts, all gently soaked in a hint of kirsch cherry brandy for that perfect festive twist. It’s not only incredibly delicious but also beautifully aromatic, making your Christmas celebrations feel extra special with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this German Christmas Bread is carefully chosen to build a harmony of taste and texture that’s both comforting and uplifting. From the creamy butter that enriches the dough to the fragrant pie spice that defines its festive spirit, each element plays a crucial role in creating this delightful holiday treat.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and richness for a tender crumb.
- 1/3 cup water: Helps activate the yeast and hydrate the dough.
- 3 tbsp butter, softened: Brings smooth texture and buttery flavor.
- 2 tbsp kirsch cherry brandy: Infuses the bread with a delicate fruity warmth.
- 4 cups bread flour: The foundation for a sturdy yet soft loaf.
- 3 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to balance the spices.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
- 1 1/2 tsp pie spice: A blend of cinnamon and warm spices that radiates holiday cheer.
- 1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast: Leavens the bread for a light, airy texture.
- 2/3 cup raisins: Offer bursts of sweetness and chewy contrast.
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts: Give a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.
For the glaze:
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar: Creates a sweet, smooth finish.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla: Adds a fragrant, warm note to the glaze.
- 2-3 tsp milk: Adjusts the consistency for either drizzling or piping.
How to Make German Christmas Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Bread Machine
Before you start, gather all your ingredients and have your bread machine ready. Each bread machine might have its quirks, so be sure to follow your specific model’s instructions, especially on the order of adding ingredients.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Bread Bowl
Begin by adding the wet ingredients to the bread bowl, starting with the milk, water, softened butter, and kirsch. Then layer the flour evenly on top, followed by sugar, salt, and pie spice. Make a small well in the flour to place your yeast without it touching the liquids prematurely. Hold off adding the raisins and nuts until the mix-in step.
Step 3: Set Your Machine and Start
Select the 2-pound loaf setting and the basic white bread cycle on your machine, then press start. This cycle usually takes about 3 hours to complete but can vary. During the mix-in phase, when the machine signals, add your raisins and hazelnuts so they can be evenly distributed through the dough.
Step 4: Optional Handmade Knead for Even Mix
If you want perfectly even distribution of fruit and nuts, remove the dough gently once mixed, knead by hand for a few minutes to spread the goodies well, then return it to the bread machine to finish baking.
Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
While the bread cools slightly, mix powdered sugar with vanilla and 2 teaspoons of milk to start your glaze. For a decorative touch, keep it thick and pipe patterns over the bread once cooled. If you’d rather have a lovely drip glaze, add the third teaspoon of milk and drizzle it while the bread is still warm to let it cascade down the sides beautifully.
How to Serve German Christmas Bread
Garnishes
The simple powdered sugar glaze is perfect on its own, but if you want to add a festive flair, consider a sprinkling of extra chopped hazelnuts or a dusting of cinnamon powder on top. Fresh cranberries or slivered almonds can also brighten the presentation and add texture.
Side Dishes
German Christmas Bread pairs wonderfully with traditional holiday spreads like whipped butter, fruit preserves, or honey. It also complements mulled wine, spiced cider, or a robust cup of coffee to round out your festive breakfast or afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and arranging it in a festive bread basket lined with holiday-themed napkins. You can also cut it into small cubes and serve as part of a bread pudding or French toast for a special brunch twist that still honors the original flavors of the German Christmas Bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover German Christmas Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy throughout the festive week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the bread first, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bread slices will keep their flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your German Christmas Bread warm, simply toast slices lightly or warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. This will refresh the bread’s soft crumb and melt the glaze slightly, reviving that irresistible holiday aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute kirsch in the recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have kirsch cherry brandy on hand, you can substitute with cherry juice or preserves for a non-alcoholic version. If you want to keep the spirit of the recipe intact, try Framboise, a raspberry brandy—it adds a lovely fruity depth.
Do I have to use a bread machine for this recipe?
This recipe is tailored for a bread machine to simplify the process, but you can make it by hand or with a stand mixer by kneading the dough and allowing it to rise twice. Expect a bit more time and some manual mixing, but the delicious result is worth it!
Can I add other dried fruits or nuts?
Definitely! While raisins and hazelnuts are traditional for German Christmas Bread, you can customize it with dried cranberries, chopped almonds, or even candied orange peel to vary the flavors.
What does pie spice contribute to this bread?
The pie spice blend gives the bread its unmistakable festive aroma and warmth. Cinnamon, along with nutmeg and cloves commonly found in the spice mix, enhances the cozy holiday vibe in each bite.
Is the glaze necessary?
While the glaze adds a lovely sweet finish and beautiful shine, the bread is delicious on its own. The glaze simply elevates the appearance and adds a touch of extra sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced dough.
Final Thoughts
Making German Christmas Bread is like inviting a warm holiday hug into your kitchen. This recipe is delightfully simple, beautifully fragrant, and absolutely delicious—perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season. Trust me, once you try this classic German Christmas Bread, it’ll become a treasured tradition that you’ll look forward to year after year. So, grab your bread machine, assemble your ingredients, and enjoy every magical moment of this festive baking adventure!
Print
German Christmas Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 large 2-pound loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Traditional German Christmas Bread made with a blend of spices, raisins, and hazelnuts, perfectly moist and fragrant, baked conveniently in a bread machine and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 tbsp kirsch cherry brandy
- 4 cups bread flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp pie spice (apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon-based baking spice blend)
- 1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2/3 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
Glaze Ingredients
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare Bread Machine: Add the wet ingredients to the bread machine’s bread pan first in the order: milk, water, softened butter, and kirsch cherry brandy. Then add the dry ingredients – bread flour, sugar, salt, and pie spice. Make a small well in the flour to add the active dry yeast. Keep the raisins and hazelnuts aside for now.
- Select Settings: Choose the 2-pound loaf size and the basic white bread cycle on your machine, then press START to begin mixing and kneading.
- Add Raisins and Hazelnuts: Add the raisins and chopped hazelnuts during the mix-in phase of the bread cycle, usually indicated by a beep. If your machine has no alert, add them once the dough forms a solid ball and is being kneaded but before the first rise.
- Optional Extra Kneading: To ensure even distribution of fruit and nuts, remove the dough ball when instructed, knead the raisins and nuts deeper into the dough by hand for a few minutes, then return it to the bread machine to complete rising and baking.
- Bake: The baking process typically takes around 3 hours but may vary depending on your bread machine’s model.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add 2 teaspoons of milk and stir with a fork, adjusting thickness as desired.
- Apply Glaze: For a thick decorative glaze suitable for piping, use the thick mixture and decorate the cooled loaf with a pastry bag. For a lighter all-over glaze, add the third teaspoon of milk, and spread the glaze over the slightly warm bread to let it drizzle down the sides.
Notes
- If kirsch cherry brandy is unavailable or undesired, substitute with cherry juice, cherry preserves, or Framboise (raspberry brandy) for similar flavor.
- Each bread machine varies; follow your machine’s manual for best ingredient layering and cycle selection.
- Ensure raisins and nuts are evenly mixed in by optionally kneading by hand mid-cycle.
- Glaze can be customized for thickness depending on your decoration preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Bread
- Method: Bread Machine Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: German Christmas Bread, bread machine recipe, holiday bread, spiced bread, raisin bread, hazelnut bread, kirsch bread, festive bread
