Indulge in the rich flavors of this traditional Swiss Christmas bread, made with a blend of warm spices, dried fruits, and nuts. Perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season, this bread is sure to fill your home with warmth and festive cheer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dried fruit mix (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in flour, dried fruit, nuts, spices, and salt until a dough forms. Knead for 5-10 minutes.
- Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Let the loaf rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the loaf with melted butter and egg wash. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the bread cool before dusting with powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Swiss Christmas bread is also known as 'Weihnachtszopf' in Switzerland.
Dried fruits and nuts in the bread symbolize prosperity and good luck for the coming year.
This bread is traditionally enjoyed on Christmas morning with hot cocoa or tea.