Ah, Christmas brioche! There’s something so magical about the smell of this sweet, fluffy bread baking in the oven during the holiday season. It’s not just a treat; it’s a part of my family’s Christmas traditions. I remember the first time I made it—my kitchen was filled with laughter and the aroma of buttery sweetness, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. This recipe is special because it’s infused with festive flavors like raisins and candied orange peel, making each slice a little slice of holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or just want to enjoy a cozy morning at home, this brioche is the perfect companion. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it’s a must-have at our holiday celebrations! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking! It’s going to be delicious!
Ingredients List
- 500g strong white bread flour: This is the foundation of our brioche, giving it that perfect structure and lightness.
- 75g sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the rich flavors and help with browning.
- 10g salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor and controlling the fermentation process.
- 10g instant yeast: This little powerhouse helps the dough rise beautifully and gives it that fluffy texture.
- 4 large eggs: They enrich the dough, adding moisture and creating that lovely tender crumb.
- 200ml milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and contributes to the brioche’s softness.
- 200g unsalted butter (softened): The star ingredient! It adds richness and a lovely buttery flavor that makes this brioche irresistible.
- 100g raisins: These plump little gems provide bursts of sweetness throughout the bread.
- 100g candied orange peel: A festive touch that adds a lovely citrusy zing and a pop of color.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Just a hint of vanilla enhances the sweet flavors and makes your kitchen smell divine!
How to Prepare Christmas Brioche
Making Christmas brioche is a delightful journey filled with sweet aromas and festive cheer. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous loaf that will be the star of your holiday table!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strong white bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Give it a good stir to evenly distribute everything.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and warm milk until well blended. This mixture will add richness to your brioche.
- Bring it all together: Pour the egg and milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough begins to form. Don’t worry if it’s messy; that’s just part of the fun!
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing that lovely texture.
- Add the butter: Gradually incorporate the softened butter into the dough. It might seem tricky at first, but keep kneading until it’s fully absorbed. Your dough will become rich and soft!
- Mix in the fruits: Gently fold in the raisins and candied orange peel. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for those delightful bursts of flavor.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is when the magic happens!
- Shape the loaf: Once risen, punch the dough down gently to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30-60 minutes.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the brioche for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Once your Christmas brioche is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Then, it’s time to slice and enjoy the festive goodness!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of our delightful Christmas brioche! This is just an estimate, but it’ll give you a good idea of what to expect when you indulge in this festive treat. Here’s the typical breakdown per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind, these values may vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, while you’re enjoying each slice, you can feel a bit better knowing the sweet goodness is balanced with some nutrition too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for festive gatherings: This Christmas brioche is sure to impress your friends and family, making it the highlight of any holiday celebration!
- Easy to follow recipe: Even if you’re new to baking, the steps are straightforward, so you can confidently whip up this delightful bread.
- Rich and sweet flavor: The combination of buttery goodness, raisins, and candied orange peel creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible and festive.
- Versatile for serving: Whether you enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or topped with your favorite jam, this brioche adapts beautifully to your taste!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my top tips to ensure your Christmas brioche turns out perfectly every time! First off, when kneading the dough, don’t rush it. You want to develop that gluten, so give it a good 10 minutes of your attention. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t be tempted to add too much extra flour; just keep kneading, and it’ll come together beautifully!
Next, pay attention to your rising times. If your kitchen is on the cooler side, it might take a bit longer for the dough to double in size. Just be patient—let it rise until it’s nice and puffy. A great trick is to place the bowl in a warm spot, like near the oven while it preheats. Trust me, that warmth works wonders!
Also, quality matters! Use fresh ingredients, especially your yeast. If it’s old or expired, your brioche won’t rise as well, and we want a fluffy masterpiece, right? Lastly, when it comes to the butter, make sure it’s softened but not melted; this will help create that rich, tender crumb we all love in brioche. Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about Christmas brioche is how versatile it can be! If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun variations to customize your festive loaf:
- Spiced Delight: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that truly captures the essence of the season.
- Apple and Cinnamon: Substitute some of the raisins with chopped dried apples and add a sprinkle of cinnamon to create a delightful twist that reminds you of cozy holiday pies!
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the fruits for a rich, indulgent version that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Pistachio and Cranberry: Swap the raisins for dried cranberries and add some chopped pistachios for a pop of color and a nutty crunch that’s oh-so-festive!
- Almond Extract: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract to give your brioche a sweet, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the fruity flavors.
- Orange Zest: For an extra citrusy kick, add the zest of one orange to the dough. It brightens up the flavor and makes your kitchen smell amazing!
- Savory Twist: If you’re in the mood for something different, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, and omit the sugar for a savory brioche that pairs well with cheese!
Feel free to experiment and mix-and-match these ideas to create your own signature Christmas brioche. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked this stunning Christmas brioche, it’s time to think about how to serve it up! Trust me, it’s all about those delightful pairings that elevate your holiday experience. First off, a warm slice of brioche with a generous smear of creamy butter is simply divine. The butter melts into the soft bread, creating a rich, luxurious bite that you won’t forget!
If you’re feeling fancy, why not try pairing it with some homemade fruit preserves or a tangy citrus marmalade? The sweetness and zest of the preserves complement the brioche’s flavors beautifully, making it a breakfast or brunch treat that feels extra special.
For a cozy afternoon, enjoy a slice with a steaming cup of spiced chai or rich hot chocolate. The spices in the drinks pair perfectly with the sweet, buttery notes of the brioche. I love to sip on some freshly brewed coffee, too—especially a nice latte! The creaminess of the milk in the coffee rounds out the sweetness of the bread, creating a well-balanced moment of indulgence.
And let’s not forget about serving it alongside your favorite holiday spreads! A cheese board with soft cheeses like brie or camembert can be a delightful contrast to the sweet brioche. It’s unexpected but oh-so-tasty!
In short, however you choose to serve your Christmas brioche, just know that it’s bound to bring smiles and warmth to your festive gatherings. Enjoy every bite and the joy it brings!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas brioche fresh and delicious, proper storage is key! Once it’s completely cooled, I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. This way, it’ll stay soft and retain its wonderful flavor for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, go ahead and freeze it! Just slice the brioche first, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. It’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply take out the slices you want and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer your brioche warm, pop it in the oven at a low temperature (around 160°C or 320°F) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back that lovely, fresh-baked aroma and texture!
For an even cozier treat, you can toast the slices lightly. A quick toast in a skillet with a little butter adds a delightful crispness and enhances the flavors beautifully. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—nobody wants a charred piece of brioche!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Christmas brioche long after the holiday festivities are over. So go ahead, slice, store, and savor every moment of this sweet treat!
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Christmas Brioche: 7 Steps to Irresistible Holiday Cheer
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and sweet bread ideal for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 500g strong white bread flour
- 75g sugar
- 10g salt
- 10g instant yeast
- 4 large eggs
- 200ml milk
- 200g unsalted butter (softened)
- 100g raisins
- 100g candied orange peel
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
- Incorporate softened butter gradually.
- Add raisins and candied peel, mix well.
- Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place in a greased pan.
- Let it rise again for 30-60 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for better results.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Can be served with butter or jam.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Christmas brioche