Christopsomo Greek Christmas Bread
Celebrate the holiday season with Christopsomo, the traditional Greek Christmas bread that symbolizes warmth and family togetherness. This festive bread is enriched with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves, sweetened with honey and golden raisins, and studded with chopped walnuts or almonds for a delightful crunch. Orange zest adds a fresh citrusy note, while an optional sprinkle of sesame seeds on the golden, egg-washed crust provides a toasty finish. Perfect for special occasions, this yeasted bread features a soft, tender interior and is often adorned with decorative dough designs, such as a cross, to honor its heritage. With its irresistible blend of flavors and stunning presentation, Christopsomo is a must-try holiday centerpiece that will fill your home with the comforting aromas of tradition.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 480 grams All-purpose flour
- 7 grams Active dry yeast
- 50 grams Granulated sugar
- 5 grams Salt
- 240 milliliters Warm water
- 60 milliliters Olive oil
- 60 milliliters Honey
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 60 grams Chopped walnuts or almonds
- 50 grams Golden raisins
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tablespoon Milk (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, and orange zest. Add this mixture to the yeast mixture.
Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form.
Add the golden raisins and chopped walnuts or almonds. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, form a cross or other designs on the top of the loaf with thin strips of dough.
Cover the shaped loaf and let it rise again for about 45 minutes, or until puffy.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash. Brush this over the top of the loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the Christopsomo cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3353 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 112.2 g | 144% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 222 mg | 74% | |
| Sodium | 2120 mg | 92% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 524.9 g | 191% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.7 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 140.5 g | ||
| Protein | 72.3 g | 145% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 234 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 28.1 mg | 156% | |
| Potassium | 1490 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
