Festive Christmas Bread Trees
This enchanting Festive Christmas Bread Tree recipe originates from a nostalgic 1960s Sunset Magazine feature. Rediscovered and cherished, it offers a delightful combination of sweet bread, saffron, and vivid maraschino cherries, perfect for a traditional Christmas morning treat. Each loaf is shaped into a beautiful tree, making your holiday breakfast table both delicious and visually stunning.
16
Servings
610
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
warm water
1/2 cup
saffron threads
1/2 teaspoon
active dry yeast
2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes
eggs
4 (slightly beaten)
evaporated milk
1 2/3 cups (1 large can)
sugar
1 1/2 cups
butter
1 cup (melted and cooled)
salt
1 teaspoon
flour
9 cups (approx)
maraschino cherries
1 (16 ounce) jar (drained)
powdered sugar
2 cups (sifted)
cream
2-3 tablespoons (or half-and-half)
white vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, soak saffron threads in warm water for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water, adding a pinch of sugar to help the yeast activate and become foamy.
2
Add beaten eggs, evaporated milk, steeped (and drained) saffron threads, salt, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Stir thoroughly using a mixer or whisk until the saffron is evenly dispersed.
3
Gradually incorporate 4 1/2 cups of flour into the mix, beating until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Slowly blend in the melted, cooled butter.
4
Continue adding the remaining 4 cups of flour, mixing until a stiff dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and cover it with a large bowl for a 15-minute rest.
5
Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, adding more flour sparingly if necessary to prevent sticking. Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, flipping to coat all sides; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
6
Divide the refrigerated dough into three equal portions. For each loaf, roll strands of dough approximately 3/4” in diameter; shape them into a tree on a greased baking sheet. Cover and allow them to rise in a warm location for about 25 minutes. Decorate with maraschino cherries and, if desired, brush with beaten egg.
7
Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Check regularly as ovens may vary.
8
For icing, combine powdered sugar, cream (or half-and-half), and vanilla extract. Adjust with additional cream to achieve your preferred consistency. Drizzle icing over warm bread loaves before serving.
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
81g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Christmas Bread Trees?
Festive Christmas Bread Trees are a traditional sweet bread shaped like holiday trees, flavored with saffron and decorated with maraschino cherries.
Where does the recipe for Festive Christmas Bread Trees originate?
This recipe originates from a nostalgic feature in a 1960s Sunset Magazine.
How many servings does this bread recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
What type of yeast is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 envelopes (1/4 ounce each) of active dry yeast.
How is the saffron prepared for the dough?
Saffron threads are soaked in warm water for about 10 minutes before being added to the mixture.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the yeast and water?
A pinch of sugar is added to help the yeast activate and become foamy.
How much flour is required in total for the bread?
The recipe uses approximately 8 1/2 to 9 cups of flour.
What type of milk is used for the Festive Christmas Bread Trees?
The recipe specifies using 1 2/3 cups (one large can) of evaporated milk.
How should the butter be prepared before adding it to the dough?
The 1 cup of butter should be melted and then cooled before blending into the dough.
Does the dough need to rest before kneading?
Yes, after mixing the stiff dough, it should be covered with a bowl and rested for 15 minutes.
How long does the dough need to be refrigerated?
The dough should be refrigerated overnight in a greased bowl covered with plastic wrap.
How many loaves can I make from one batch of dough?
The dough is divided into three equal portions to create three separate tree-shaped loaves.
What are the dimensions for the dough strands used to shape the trees?
The dough strands should be rolled to approximately 3/4 inch in diameter.
How long should the shaped trees rise before baking?
The shaped trees should rise in a warm location for about 25 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking?
The bread should be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
How long do the bread trees take to bake?
They typically bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
What ingredients are in the icing?
The icing is made from powdered sugar, cream (or half-and-half), and white vanilla extract.
When should the icing be applied to the bread?
The icing should be drizzled over the bread loaves while they are still warm.
How many calories are in a serving of Festive Christmas Bread?
Each serving contains approximately 610 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 24 grams of fat in each serving.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
Each serving provides 11 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 81 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total.
What makes the bread particularly festive in appearance?
The tree shape and the decoration of vivid red maraschino cherries give the bread its festive look.
Is an egg wash used on this bread?
Yes, you can optionally brush the dough with a beaten egg before baking for a golden finish.
What should the consistency of the icing be?
The consistency should be adjusted with cream until it is suitable for drizzling.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with holiday bread, christmas, festive, baking, sweet bread, and traditional.
Can I use half-and-half for the icing?
Yes, half-and-half can be used as a substitute for cream in the icing recipe.
What type of vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for white vanilla extract.
What is the ideal occasion for serving this bread?
It is perfect as a traditional treat for Christmas morning breakfast.