Christmas Wreath Bread

Name: Christmas Wreath Bread
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 200 ml warm milk: activates yeast and adds moisture; 7 g dry active yeast: leavening agent; 100 g sugar: sweetens the dough; 2 eggs (room temperature): enriches the dough; 70 g melted butter: adds richness and tenderness; 1/4 tsp salt: balances sweetness; 550-600 g sifted flour: provides structure; 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk: for egg wash to give glossy finish; 30 g melted butter (filling 1): base for cinnamon mixture; 80 g sugar (filling 1): sweetener for filling; 1 tsp ground cinnamon (filling 1): warm spice for classic flavor; 30 g melted butter (filling 2): helps bind citrus filling; 60 g chopped white chocolate (filling 2): adds sweetness and texture; 60 g dried cranberries (filling 2): tartness and chewiness; Zest of 1 orange (filling 2): bright, citrusy aroma

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There’s something magical about the aroma of sweet, yeasted dough baking on a crisp December morning—and this Christmas Wreath Bread brings that magic to life. Braided and filled with warm cinnamon sugar or white chocolate and cranberries, this festive bread isn’t just a showstopper on your holiday table—it’s a symbol of cozy gatherings and seasonal cheer. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or enjoying it with hot cocoa, this wreath bread is as beautiful as it is delicious. Plus, it’s easier to make than you think, even for beginner bakers!

Why This Christmas Wreath Bread Will Be the Star of Your Holiday

Christmas Wreath Bread is more than a festive centerpiece—it’s a celebration in every bite. Soft, fluffy layers of enriched dough are filled with spiced cinnamon or a zesty white chocolate cranberry combination, twisted into a stunning wreath shape.

It’s a perfect choice for:

Holiday breakfast or brunch
Edible gifts for friends and family
A sweet bread centerpiece for Christmas dinner
Making ahead and reheating without losing freshness

The dual fillings provide variety and flavor contrast, making each slice uniquely satisfying.

Festive Ingredients for the Perfect Holiday Bread

Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and enriches the dough with moisture
Dry Active Yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy and airy
Sugar: Sweetens the dough and supports yeast activity
Eggs: Add richness and structure, giving the bread a tender crumb
Melted Butter: Provides softness and a buttery flavor
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor
Sifted Flour: Forms the structure of the dough—use just enough to keep it soft but manageable
Egg + Milk Wash: Creates a golden, glossy crust

Filling One: Classic Cinnamon Sugar

Melted Butter: Helps the filling spread evenly and adds richness
Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes during baking
Ground Cinnamon: Adds that classic holiday warmth and spice

Filling Two: White Chocolate, Cranberry & Orange

Melted Butter: Acts as a binder and enhances richness
Chopped White Chocolate: Melts into creamy pockets of sweetness
Dried Cranberries: Offer tartness and chewy texture
Orange Zest: Infuses the bread with citrusy brightness

Easy Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Alternatives

If you’re missing an ingredient or need to adapt for dietary needs, try these options:

Flour: Use bread flour for extra chew or a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version
Butter: Substitute with plant-based margarine for a dairy-free bread
Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple sugar can add a deeper flavor
White Chocolate: Try dark or milk chocolate chips instead
Cranberries: Raisins, chopped dried apricots, or dried cherries work well
Eggs: For egg-free, use flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg)

These swaps keep the essence of Christmas Wreath Bread intact while making it more accessible.

How to Make Christmas Wreath Bread Step by Step

Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk (not hot), dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir and add 6 tablespoons of flour to make a pancake-like batter. Let it sit in a warm spot for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer, whisk eggs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Add the yeast mixture and half the flour. Switch to a dough hook and knead, gradually adding remaining flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
First Rise: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Fillings:
- Cinnamon filling: Mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
- White chocolate filling: Mix melted butter and orange zest. Set aside. Chop white chocolate and measure cranberries.
Divide and Roll Out Dough: Deflate risen dough and split into two pieces. Roll one half into a rectangle (~¼ inch thick).
Fill and Roll – Cinnamon Version: Spread the cinnamon filling over the rectangle. Roll it tightly from the long side, seam down. Slice lengthwise and twist the two halves with cut sides facing up. Form into a wreath and pinch the ends to seal.
Repeat – White Chocolate Version: Roll the second dough half and spread the orange-zest butter. Add cranberries and chocolate. Press gently. Roll, slice, twist, and shape into a second wreath.
Second Rise: Place both wreaths on parchment-lined pans and let them rise uncovered for 30 minutes until puffy.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush both breads with egg wash. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Decorate: Let the wreaths cool. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a snowy finish.

Baking Tips and Troubleshooting

Use Warm, Not Hot, Milk: Too much heat kills yeast; lukewarm is perfect
Don’t Rush Rising: A slow rise gives the best texture—don’t skip it
Use a Sharp Knife: Cutting the rolled dough cleanly reveals beautiful swirls
Leave Space on Baking Sheet: The bread expands while rising and baking
Make Ahead: Bake a day early, wrap tightly, and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes before serving

Adding these tips ensures your Christmas Wreath Bread bakes perfectly every time.

Delicious Ways to Serve and Customize

This festive bread pairs beautifully with:

Coffee, hot cocoa, or mulled wine
A smear of cream cheese or butter
Drizzled glaze or spiced icing
Toasted with jam for a next-day breakfast

Fun Flavor Twists to Try

Chocolate Hazelnut Wreath: Replace fillings with Nutella and chopped hazelnuts
Savory Wreath Bread: Use pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella
Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter and chocolate

The versatility of this Christmas Wreath Bread makes it suitable for various holiday menus, gift boxes, or potlucks.

A Sweet Symbol of the Season

Wreaths symbolize eternity, unity, and holiday joy—making them the perfect shape for your festive bread. When you serve Christmas Wreath Bread, you’re offering more than dessert; you’re sharing a moment of comfort, tradition, and warmth. Whether it graces your breakfast table or gets gifted to a neighbor, this bread brings people together.

So this season, make your own Christmas Wreath Bread, and let the aroma, flavor, and beauty fill your home with cheer.

Conclusion

Creating your own Christmas Wreath Bread is a beautiful way to blend tradition with creativity in the kitchen. Its soft, sweet, and aromatic layers make every slice a holiday moment to savor. With its stunning appearance and versatile flavor options—from classic cinnamon sugar to citrusy white chocolate cranberry—this bread is destined to impress both guests and family. Whether you’re gifting it or enjoying it fresh from the oven with coffee on Christmas morning, this festive bread will surely become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition. Bake it with love, twist it with care, and serve it warm—your home will smell like the holidays in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Wreath Bread

How do I keep my Christmas Wreath Bread from drying out?

To keep your Christmas Wreath Bread soft and moist, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore that just-baked texture.

Can I freeze the dough or baked wreath?

Yes! You can freeze the shaped but unbaked dough wreath. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, allow to rise at room temperature until puffy, then bake. Baked Christmas Wreath Bread can also be frozen—wrap it well and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. You can knead the dough by hand for about 15–20 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly sticky. It may require more effort, but the result will be just as soft and fluffy. The key is to gradually incorporate the flour and knead thoroughly to develop the gluten.

More Relevant Recipes

Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Sourdough Bread: This cozy fall loaf features a cinnamon-sugar swirl layered into a soft pumpkin sourdough base, making it a warm and rustic cousin to Christmas Wreath Bread. Ideal for autumn mornings or holiday brunches.
Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: These spiced muffins combine the comforting flavors of apple and pumpkin, topped with a crumbly streusel. Their seasonal taste and tender crumb align perfectly with the sweet and festive style of Christmas Wreath Bread.
Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze: A moist pumpkin loaf finished with a sweet maple glaze. This recipe delivers similar warming spices and holiday flavor vibes as the Christmas Wreath Bread, but in a simpler quick bread format.

Christmas Wreath Bread – Easy Recipe

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