Festive Christmas Bread

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Festive Christmas Bread.

1. Step 1

   In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast is bubbly.

2. Step 2

   In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together the cold butter and 1 cup of sugar. Gradually pour in the warm milk, then add the yeast mixture, beaten eggs, and salt. Mix until well combined.

3. Step 3

   Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated. Do not knead the dough.

4. Step 4

   Transfer the dough to a large bowl and cover it with a towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1.5 hours. Punch the dough down and let it rise again for another 45 minutes.

5. Step 5

   While the dough is rising, prepare the pastry filling. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk until warm (about 2 to 3 minutes). Gradually whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk and temper it with a little of the warm milk mixture, then whisk it back into the saucepan. Add sugar and salt, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cool (20 to 30 minutes).

6. Step 6

   For the almond filling, mix together the butter, sugar, and almond extract in a bowl until well blended. Set aside.

7. Step 7

   To make the nut crumb filling, crumble together flour, sugar, walnuts, and butter in a bowl. Set aside.

8. Step 8

   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two half sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone mats.

9. Step 9

   Divide the dough and fillings in half for two loaves. Reserve a small amount of nut filling for topping.

10. Step 10

    Roll out half of the dough on one of the prepared pans into a rectangle that fills the pan. Spread the cream filling lengthwise down the center third of the dough, leaving about 1 inch free on each end. Sprinkle the almond filling on top, followed by the nut crumb filling.

11. Step 11

    Make diagonal cuts into the dough on either side of the filling, about 2 inches apart. Fold the dough strips across the filling, alternating sides to create a braid. Tuck the ends into the braid to prevent leaking. Brush with reserved egg white and sprinkle with half of the reserved nut crumb filling. Repeat with the second loaf.

12. Step 12

    Bake the loaves in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.