Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by baking a delicious and festive sweet Christmas tree bread? This sweet bread is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it's also a great way to add some festive flair to your holiday table. In this article, we'll explore five different ways to make a sweet Christmas tree bread that's sure to impress your family and friends.
What is Sweet Christmas Tree Bread?
Sweet Christmas tree bread, also known as "Christmas tree bread" or "holiday bread," is a type of sweet bread that's shaped like a Christmas tree. It's typically made with yeast dough, sugar, eggs, and butter, and is often flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices. The bread is shaped into a tree shape and decorated with icing, candy, or other toppings to give it a festive look.
Why Make Sweet Christmas Tree Bread?
There are many reasons why you should make sweet Christmas tree bread this holiday season. Here are just a few:
- It's a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays with your family and friends.
- It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and create a cozy atmosphere in your home.
- It's a delicious and sweet treat that's perfect for snacking or serving as a dessert.
- It's a great way to show off your baking skills and impress your loved ones.
Method 1: Simple Sweet Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
This simple sweet Christmas tree bread recipe is perfect for beginners. It's easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until yeast is activated.
- Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a Christmas tree shape. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before dusting with confectioners' sugar.
Method 2: Sweet Christmas Tree Bread with Candied Fruits
This sweet Christmas tree bread recipe is perfect for those who love candied fruits. The addition of candied fruits gives the bread a sweet and fruity flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup candied fruits (such as cranberries, cherries, and orange peel)
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until yeast is activated.
- Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a Christmas tree shape. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
- Arrange the candied fruits on top of the dough in a festive pattern.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before dusting with confectioners' sugar.
Method 3: Sweet Christmas Tree Bread with Nutella Filling
This sweet Christmas tree bread recipe is perfect for Nutella lovers. The addition of Nutella filling gives the bread a rich and chocolatey flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until yeast is activated.
- Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a Christmas tree shape. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
- Spread the Nutella filling on top of the dough in a festive pattern.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before dusting with confectioners' sugar.
Method 4: Sweet Christmas Tree Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
This sweet Christmas tree bread recipe is perfect for those who love cream cheese frosting. The addition of cream cheese frosting gives the bread a tangy and creamy flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until yeast is activated.
- Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a Christmas tree shape. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
- Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Method 5: Sweet Christmas Tree Bread with Dried Fruits and Nuts
This sweet Christmas tree bread recipe is perfect for those who love dried fruits and nuts. The addition of dried fruits and nuts gives the bread a sweet and crunchy flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried fruits (such as cranberries, cherries, and raisins)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts and almonds)
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until yeast is activated.
- Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a Christmas tree shape. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
- Arrange the dried fruits and nuts on top of the dough in a festive pattern.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before dusting with confectioners' sugar.
Gallery of Christmas Tree Bread
What is the best way to shape a Christmas tree bread?
+The best way to shape a Christmas tree bread is to use a combination of rolling and folding the dough. First, roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Then, fold the dough in half lengthwise and cut a tree shape out of the folded dough. Finally, unfold the dough and shape it into a Christmas tree shape.
How do I make a sweet Christmas tree bread with a cream cheese frosting?
+To make a sweet Christmas tree bread with a cream cheese frosting, simply follow the recipe for sweet Christmas tree bread and add a cream cheese frosting on top. To make the frosting, beat together 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Can I make sweet Christmas tree bread ahead of time?
+Yes, you can make sweet Christmas tree bread ahead of time. Simply shape the dough into a Christmas tree shape and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
We hope this article has inspired you to make a sweet Christmas tree bread this holiday season. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, these recipes are sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, get baking, and make this holiday season a sweet and memorable one!
Gallery of 5 Ways To Make Sweet Christmas Tree Bread
