As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from your kitchen becomes a cherished tradition. The sweet and spicy scents evoke memories of cozy nights by the fire with loved ones, sharing stories and making new ones. This year, why not try something new and exciting? Here are 20 festive holiday bread recipes that will add a pinch of magic to your celebrations.
From classic cinnamon swirls to innovative flavor combinations like peppermint chocolate babka and spiced pear and walnut bread, we’ve got you covered with the perfect recipe for every taste. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to serve at your holiday gathering or a savory loaf to enjoy on its own, our collection of 20 festive holiday bread recipes is sure to delight.
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Cinnamon Swirl Holiday Bread
Add a warm and cozy touch to your holiday gatherings with this sweet and aromatic bread. This Cinnamon Swirl Holiday Bread is perfect for gift-giving or serving at your next holiday party.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water (100°F to 110°F)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm water, sugar, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
6. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one long side. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
7. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece.
8. Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips: Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving. Perfect as a gift or served warm at your holiday gathering.
Cranberry Orange Christmas Bread
This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for the holiday season, packed with dried cranberries and the warmth of orange zest. Make it a centerpiece for your Christmas dinner or give it as a thoughtful gift to friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– Unsalted butter, melted (for greasing the loaf pan)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with melted butter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, milk, eggs, cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. Whisk until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Eggnog Brioche with Vanilla Glaze
Elevate your holiday baking game with this indulgent Eggnog Brioche, topped with a silky Vanilla Glaze. This buttery, moist bread is infused with the warm spices of eggnog, making it a perfect accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage or a sweet treat on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup eggnog
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Vanilla Glaze ingredients: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together yeast, flour, salt, eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add dry mixture to wet ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in prepared loaf pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Allow bread to cool before drizzling with Vanilla Glaze (mix powdered sugar, butter, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting
Get cozy with this moist and flavorful gingerbread loaf, paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for snacking or gifting, this classic treat is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar; beat until combined.
Peppermint Chocolate Babka
This decadent dessert combines the richness of chocolate with the invigorating zing of peppermint, all wrapped up in a soft and fluffy babka. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (or 1 tablespoon peppermint extract)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Combine warm milk and yeast; let sit 5 minutes.
3. Mix in sugar, flour, and salt.
4. Add melted butter, chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies (or extract); mix until a sticky dough forms.
5. Knead dough for 10 minutes.
6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. Punch down dough, shape into a babka, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spiced Pumpkin Holiday Wreath Bread
This sweet and spicy bread is perfect for your holiday gatherings. With the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a bread loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm water, pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in the prepared pan, shaping it into a wreath or loaf.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls
Cozy up with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls infused with the warmth of apple cider and spices. These tender, gooey treats are perfect for a chilly fall morning or a cozy winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add melted butter, apple cider, beaten egg, and cinnamon. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough, roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., rectangles, circles).
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
These sweet and gooey sticky buns are infused with the warmth of maple syrup and the crunch of pecans, making them a perfect breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough into a rectangle; spread with melted butter, maple syrup, and pecans.
7. Roll up the dough tightly; cut into 12 equal pieces. Place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cherry Almond Holiday Bread
This Cherry Almond Holiday Bread is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with the warmth of cherries and almonds filling your home with a cozy aroma during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cherries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add softened butter, milk, egg, and salt; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped cherries and sliced almonds.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool on wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cardamom Saffron Christmas Bread
This aromatic bread combines the warm spices of cardamom and saffron with the sweetness of sugar and the richness of butter, creating a truly unique and delicious holiday treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cardamom, and saffron mixture.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a serving plate.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rosemary Garlic Fougasse
This fragrant fougasse is infused with the pungency of garlic and the herbal notes of rosemary, perfect for accompanying your favorite soups or stews. With its crispy crust and airy interior, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, garlic, and rosemary to the mixture. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a fougasse. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Eggnog Challah with Rum Glaze
A sweet and savory twist on traditional challah, this Eggnog Challah is infused with the warm spices of eggnog and topped with a rich rum glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup eggnog
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Rum glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, eggnog, and salt.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead for 10 minutes, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
6. Punch down dough and shape into a braid or round loaf.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Rum Glaze:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
– 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking until smooth. Brush glaze over warm challah before serving.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Dark Chocolate Cherry Panettone
This Italian-inspired bread pudding is infused with the deep flavors of dark chocolate and sweet cherries, perfect for a special occasion or as a indulgent dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.4 oz) panettone loaf
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup pitted cherries, chopped
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cut the panettone into 1-inch cubes and place in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, melted butter, dark chocolate chips, chopped cherries, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture over the panettone cubes and toss to coat evenly.
5. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
This scrumptious Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread is a perfect treat to enjoy during the fall season. Soft, fluffy, and infused with the warmth of pumpkin and spices, this bread is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of refrigerated biscuits (8-10 count)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Separate biscuits into individual pieces and dip each piece into the pumpkin mixture, then roll in sugar mixture to coat.
4. Place coated biscuit pieces into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
5. Drizzle with melted butter and heavy cream.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cranberry Walnut Festive Loaf
Perfect for the holiday season, this moist and flavorful loaf combines the sweetness of cranberries with the crunch of walnuts, all wrapped up in a warm and inviting aroma.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and eggs until light and fluffy.
4. Add the cranberries and walnuts; stir until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread
This Orange Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread is a delightful twist on traditional sweet bread, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. The combination of juicy cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon creates a flavorful treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon orange zest
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add milk, eggs, melted butter, orange zest, cranberries, and cinnamon. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in the prepared loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Holiday Bread
Add a burst of citrusy flavor to your holiday gatherings with this sweet and tangy glazed lemon poppy seed bread. Perfect for serving at breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– Glaze: powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar. Add softened butter; mix until crumbly.
3. Beat in eggs, lemon juice, and poppy seeds.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. While bread is still warm, prepare glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Drizzle over the bread.
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Spiced Pear and Walnut Bread
Savor the flavors of autumn with this moist and aromatic bread, infused with the sweetness of pears and the earthiness of walnuts. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup diced ripe pear (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts, diced pear, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Bread
Cozy up with the aroma of freshly baked bread and the sweetness of caramel apples, all wrapped up in a delicious cinnamon-infused package. This moist and flavorful loaf is perfect for snacking or serving as a dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in diced apples and caramel sauce.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pistachio Rosewater Holiday Bread
Add a touch of exotic elegance to your holiday table with this fragrant and flavorful bread. The combination of pistachios, rosewater, and orange zest creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pistachios
– 1 tablespoon rosewater
– 1 orange, zested
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Fold in pistachios, rosewater, and orange zest.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 20 festive bread recipes, perfectly spiced for the season. From sweet treats like Cinnamon Swirl Holiday Bread and Peppermint Chocolate Babka to savory delights like Rosemary Garlic Fougasse and Spiced Pear and Walnut Bread, there’s something for everyone. Try making Eggnog Brioche with Vanilla Glaze or Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting as a special treat for friends and family. Whatever your taste, these delicious bread recipes are sure to bring joy to your holiday gatherings.
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