Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Zest of 1 orange
- Powdered sugar and lemon glaze for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar; let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and zest to the yeast mixture; mix well.
- Gradually add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in raisins.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the dough into a loaf or festive braid and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then drizzle with powdered sugar glaze and decorate for the holidays.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- You can add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for variation.
- For a richer flavor, brush with melted butter after baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg