25+ Irresistible Christmas Bread Recipes to Bake This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with cherished traditions, warm gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. Among the festive culinary delights, Christmas bread recipes hold a special place, weaving a tapestry of flavors and aromas that define the spirit of the season. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to share with loved ones, a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table, or a comforting savory accompaniment to a festive meal, this collection offers an exceptional array of options. From timeless European classics steeped in history to easy-to-bake loaves perfect for last-minute gifts, these breads are designed to make your holidays truly special and create new, looked-forward-to family traditions.
As a fellow bread enthusiast, I understand the joy of baking from scratch. Beyond the festive season, explore AOC’s Best Bread Recipes for everyday delights that can become staples in your kitchen. But for now, let’s dive into the heartwarming world of holiday baking, where every recipe promises a taste of Christmas magic.
When I reflect on the special Christmas foods my family eagerly anticipates each year, it’s always a delightful combination of festive cookies and candies (a given, of course!) and, most importantly, holiday breads. It seems to be a universal truth that many families cherish their own unique bread traditions. Some recipes are treasured heirlooms, passed down through generations from European ancestors, while others are simple, comforting creations perfect for gifting. Then there are the truly decorative breads, shaped into festive wreaths, stars, or even Christmas trees, turning a simple bake into a work of art.
In our home, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the best cinnamon rolls and overnight monkey bread – a delightful sweet-cinnamon theme seems to dominate our Christmas mornings! Honestly, I suspect I might face a family banishment if these aren’t on the menu. Beyond our breakfast staples, I also love baking smaller loaf breads, which are perfect for adding to our homemade goodie bags. They freeze beautifully, allowing recipients to savor a taste of the holidays whenever they wish.
As I curated this collection of Christmas bread recipes, I discovered an incredible diversity of festive bakes. To help you navigate this delicious world, I’ve organized them into three main categories. First, you’ll find a selection of wonderfully easy loaf recipes, featuring comforting flavors like gingerbread, decadent chocolate-peppermint, and classic eggnog. Next are the beautifully shaped bread recipes, ranging from traditional Stollen and Panettone to stunning, intricate wreaths that double as edible decorations. Finally, I’ve included a section dedicated to savory Christmas breads, highlighting options perfect for holiday meals, including a show-stopping tree-shaped pizza dough pull-apart bread that I can’t wait to make using my quick homemade pizza dough. You’ll even find a couple of healthy Christmas bread recipes – a paleo fruit and nut bread and a maple-gingerbread loaf – ensuring there’s something for every preference and dietary need.
With so many tempting options, the only real challenge will be deciding which one to bake first. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Christmas bread!
Our Favorite Christmas Bread Recipes from AOC
Here are some beloved recipes from An Oregon Cottage that have become cherished traditions in our home and among our readers, perfect for making your holidays extra special.
1| Delicious Real Food Make-Ahead Monkey Bread. This delightful, sticky, and sweet monkey bread is the cornerstone of our family’s Christmas morning tradition. My daughter and I lovingly prepare the dough and dip the individual balls on Christmas Eve afternoon, then pop it into the fridge. The next morning, as we eagerly open our stocking gifts, it gradually comes to room temperature. Then, it’s a quick trip to the oven while we unwrap presents from under the tree, ensuring it’s warm, gooey, and ready to be devoured as a central part of our festive Christmas brunch. Pure yumminess!
2| The Best Cinnamon Rolls…ever. If there’s one recipe that rivals my chocolate chip cookies in fame within my extended family, it’s these legendary cinnamon rolls. Over the years, I’ve meticulously perfected them to achieve an ideal balance: incredibly moist, perfectly sweet, and bursting with warm cinnamon spice, yet never dry or overly gooey. I reserve baking these for our cherished big family holiday gatherings and special spring occasions, a scarcity that once prompted two of my nephews to actually request them as Christmas presents! My niece now bakes them for her own family, cementing them as a new tradition there, too. Why not let these become a beloved new Christmas tradition in your own home?
3| Whole Wheat Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe. While a newer addition to the AOC website, this cranberry bread is a recipe I’ve been making and refining for many years. I thoughtfully adapted it to incorporate wholesome whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar content, ensuring it retains the beloved flavor and moist texture we all adore. This vibrant, citrus-infused cranberry bread makes an excellent, thoughtful gift during the holidays. Moreover, sliced in half and lightly toasted, it offers a surprisingly unique and delicious addition to a festive holiday cheese board, adding a touch of sweetness and tang.
4| Cranberry Crumb Muffins (or Loaves). What truly elevates these muffins or small loaves from your everyday cranberry bread is their incredibly generous, “big” crumb topping – it’s absolutely divine! Another secret to their superior flavor is the clever combination of both dried and fresh cranberries. Even better, they’re fantastic for utilizing leftover cranberry sauce from your holiday feast, ensuring no deliciousness goes to waste! (If you find yourself with even more leftover cranberry sauce, don’t miss these additional bread recipes using cranberry sauce for even more inspiration.)
Festive Loaf Christmas Bread Recipes: Simple & Sweet
Loaf breads are the epitome of ease and versatility, perfect for holiday gifting, quick breakfasts, or a cozy snack by the fire. These recipes bring classic Christmas flavors to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
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5| Gingerbread Loaf @ Creme de la Crumb. This Gingerbread Loaf is a quintessential holiday treat, capturing the warm, spicy essence of Christmas in a delightfully simple form. Far less fuss than rolling out and decorating gingerbread cookies, this loaf offers all the festive flavor with minimal effort. Its comforting aroma will fill your kitchen, making it a perfect addition to a holiday breakfast or an afternoon tea.
6| Christmas Gift Idea Cinnamon Bread Recipe @ Julie Blanner. The presentation of this cinnamon bread is simply adorable, adorned with charming cinnamon sticks that hint at the cozy flavors within. I can’t imagine a more delightful homemade gift to receive during the Christmas season; it’s both beautiful and utterly delicious.
7| Chocolate Peppermint Bread @ Butter with a Side of Bread. Ooh, this recipe immediately captured my attention with my absolute favorite flavor combination of the season: rich chocolate paired with cool, invigorating peppermint. That, combined with the decadent chocolate glaze topping, makes this a truly irresistible holiday indulgence.
8| Paleo Fruit & Nut Bread @ The View From Great Island. Crafted with nutrient-dense almond flour, ripe banana, an assortment of chopped nuts, and sweet dried fruit, this recipe presents a wonderful and thoughtful option for those following a low-carb or paleo lifestyle. It’s naturally sweet, wholesome, and perfectly festive.
9| Healthy Classic Gingerbread with Maple Glaze @ Amy’s Healthy Baking. This lighter gingerbread offers all the classic holiday cheer with a wholesome twist. It’s naturally sweetened with rich molasses and fragrant maple syrup, and made with hearty whole wheat flour, proving that you can enjoy delicious festive treats without compromising on health.
10| No-Yeast Cinnamon Bread Quick Bread @ Five Heart Home. Here’s an absolute lifesaver for those moments when you need a delicious homemade gift in a pinch. This quick bread is not only incredibly easy to prepare without yeast, but it also boasts a mouthwatering cinnamon flavor. It even comes with convenient printable tags, making it a perfect, thoughtful last-minute Christmas present.
11| Glazed Eggnog Quickbread @ The Recipe Critic. This quickbread seems destined to become a new holiday classic! With its rich, creamy eggnog flavor infused throughout the bread and a luscious eggnog glaze, it perfectly captures the beloved taste of the holidays in a delightful and easy-to-make format. A true celebration of seasonal flavors.
Stunning Shaped Christmas Bread Recipes: Edible Art for Your Table
Elevate your holiday baking with these visually spectacular and delicious shaped breads. Perfect for centerpieces, festive breakfasts, or impressing guests, these recipes offer both beauty and exquisite taste.
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12| Stollen German Christmas Bread @ Curious Cuisiniere. A true icon of German holiday baking, Stollen is a rich, buttery bread generously studded with candied fruits, nuts, and often a ribbon of marzipan, all dusted with a delicate layer of powdered sugar. Bringing this classic to a holiday party would undoubtedly be a delightful and impressive gesture, sharing a piece of European tradition.
13| Christmas Bread @ Taste of the South. Despite its simple name, this “Christmas Bread” is anything but basic in appearance or flavor. It’s a beautifully braided loaf, subtly enhanced with just a few dried fruits, giving it an elegant and rustic charm. I imagine slices of this bread would make absolutely fantastic toast, perfect for a cozy holiday morning.
14| Sweet Nut Holiday Bread Wreath @ Hostess at Heart. This bread is an absolute dream, taking the irresistible concept of sticky buns and transforming it into a gorgeously festive wreath shape. What’s not to love about tender, sweet dough, rich nuts, and a sticky glaze, all presented in a decorative form that’s perfect for a holiday centerpiece or a decadent breakfast?
15| Panettone (Italian Christmas Bread) @ Brown Eyed Baker. Another quintessential European holiday bread, Panettone, with its distinct tall dome shape, airy texture, and delightful candied fruits and raisins, is a joy to behold and to bake. Trying your hand at this Italian classic would be a rewarding culinary adventure, bringing a taste of authentic Christmas tradition to your home.
16| Viennese Christmas Bread @ Restless Chipotle. This Viennese Christmas Bread promises a symphony of flavors, with a fragrant blend of spices, plump dried fruit, and the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour. The combination adds up to an incredibly delicious and aromatic bread, perfect for savoring during the festive season.
17| Christmas Chocolate Panettone @ Eat in My Kitchen. For all the chocolate lovers out there, this recipe is a game-changer! I am absolutely thrilled about this chocolate version of the classic Panettone, offering a rich, indulgent twist on a beloved Italian Christmas tradition. It’s the perfect way to satisfy those holiday chocolate cravings.
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18| Homemade Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Bread @ Pinch of Yum. Hmm, if you’re looking for something that rivals the sheer deliciousness and comforting warmth of traditional cinnamon rolls but with an added fun factor, this Homemade Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Bread is it. It’s incredibly satisfying and perfect for sharing, making it a fantastic alternative or addition to your holiday breakfast spread.
19| Candy Cane Braided Bread Recipe with Cherry Filling @ Gluesticks. How incredibly fun and festive is this idea? Shaping and filling a bread into an iconic candy cane for the holidays is a brilliant way to add a playful touch to your table. While this recipe features a delightful cherry filling, imagine the possibilities – you could customize it with other fruit jams, chocolate, or even a cream cheese filling!
20| Brioche au Chocolat Loaf @ Bake from Scratch. If indulgence is what you’re after, then perhaps you should simply surrender to the allure of this amazing-looking chocolate brioche loaf. Brioche, known for its rich, buttery, and tender crumb, becomes an absolute showstopper when generously studded with chocolate. It’s a truly luxurious bread, perfect for a special holiday breakfast or dessert.
21| Swedish Tea Ring @ Simply Recipes. I’ve actually made a tea ring before, and I can attest that they look far more complicated and impressive than they truly are to create. This makes them a fantastic choice for a holiday gathering, offering a wonderful “wow” factor that only you know was surprisingly easy to achieve. Their elegant appearance and delicious flavor make them perfect for a festive brunch or a cozy afternoon fika.
Savory Christmas Bread Recipes: Perfect Companions for Holiday Meals
Not all festive breads are sweet! These savory options are ideal for balancing your holiday menu, serving as appetizers, side dishes, or even light main courses. They bring warmth, flavor, and visual appeal to your Christmas spread.
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22| Savory Christmas Cheese Bread @ King Arthur Flour. The vibrant red of dried tomatoes and the fresh green of scallions certainly give this bread its festive “Christmas” name, making it visually appealing for the holidays. But don’t let the name fool you – this quick and easy recipe for a cheesy, savory bread is so utterly delicious and versatile that you’ll want to bake it all year round, not just during December!
23| Christmas Tree Bread @ Serious Eats. Imagine the delight on your guests’ faces when this edible centerpiece graces your Christmas dinner table! This clever recipe takes simple dinner rolls and ingeniously arranges and bakes them in the shape of a festive Christmas tree. It’s an interactive, delicious, and incredibly charming addition to any holiday feast, making dinner even more special.
24| Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread @ Southern Living. I am absolutely making this for sure this holiday season! Using my quick homemade pizza dough, this pull-apart bread is shaped like a Christmas tree, making it both a fun activity to make and a showstopper to serve. When dipped into warm marinara sauce, the individual cheesy bites can serve as a fantastic appetizer or even a delightful main dish when paired with a fresh salad – which is precisely my plan!
25| Cheese and Herb Star Bread @ Food 52. Now, this bread takes a bit more effort and finesse, but the stunning, intricate star shape it achieves is absolutely worth it. If you’re ready for a rewarding baking challenge, this recipe provides beautifully pictured step-by-step instructions. Master this, and you may just become the star of your holiday gathering, presenting a truly magnificent and delicious creation!