Greek Christmas Bread
Infused with warm spices, citrusy orange zest, and a touch of honey, Greek Christmas Bread—also known as Christopsomo—is a celebratory treat that fills your kitchen with festive aromas. With its soft, slightly sweet texture and optional additions of raisins and walnuts for extra flavor and crunch, this traditional holiday loaf embodies the spirit of Christmas in every bite. The dough's tender crumb comes from rich milk, butter, and eggs, while spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add cozy holiday warmth. Ideal for centerpiece-worthy presentations, this bread can be shaped with decorative crosses or left elegantly round. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, serve it plain or with a pat of butter for a timeless holiday tradition.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 0.5 cups Warm water
- 0.5 cups Whole milk
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest
- 4.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 0.5 cups Raisins (optional)
- 0.5 cups Chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 large Egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon Water
Instructions
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk, butter, sugar, honey, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and orange zest over low heat until the butter melts. Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture and the lukewarm milk mixture. Add 2 eggs and whisk to combine.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough comes together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until soft and elastic.
If using raisins and walnuts, knead them into the dough during the final minute of kneading.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, make a cross-shaped design on top of the loaf using extra dough or a knife.
Cover the loaf loosely with a damp cloth and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, until slightly puffy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush this over the surface of the dough.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
459 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.5 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 87 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 274 mg | 12% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.5 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.5 g | ||
| Protein | 11.5 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 55 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 233 mg | 5% | |
*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.
