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25 Best Christmas Breads to Bake for the Holidays

Fruitcake included, of course.

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christmas bread recipes
Caitlin Bensel

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It wouldn't be the holidays without Christmas cookies or a holiday roast, but that doesn't mean you should forget about the bread basket! Sure, you can buy store-bought dinner rolls, but why not trying making your own Christmas breads for change—it's easier than you might think! For instance, you can whip up homemade fruitcake recipes or prepare a cheesy pull-apart bread using only three ingredients. Looking for something sweeter? There are tons of quick bread recipes that are perfect for serving at your Christmas brunch like a scrumptious puff pastry.

Here, you'll find different types of bread that are filled with the flavors of the season. For instance, there's a pumpkin quick bread and a cinnamon star bread that makes the most stunning Christmas dessert. We've also included some classic bread recipes that are Christmas traditions from around the world, like the Italian panettone and German stollen. For Ree Drummond, making homemade cinnamon rolls is a Christmas tradition that she takes part in year after year. She packages them up as a homemade Christmas food gifts to deliver to friends and family during the holiday season. Now that's a carb-lovers' gift if we've ever seen one!

1

Apple Cinnamon Bread

apple cinnamon bread
Ralph Smith

The warm cinnamon of this bread will be a hit on cold Christmas mornings—especially when paired with the flavor of perfectly sweet and tart Granny Smith apples.

Get Ree's Apple Cinnamon Bread recipe.

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2

Herb Focaccia

herb focaccia
Will Dickey

There's just so much goodness packed into this crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside focaccia—including chopped fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley mixed right into the dough. Better yet? It's a no-knead bread!

Get the Herb Focaccia recipe.

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3

Cornmeal Muffins with Blackberry Jam

cornmeal muffins with blackberry jam
Bridget Edwards

When you pipe some blackberry jam into corn muffins, you'll get the same comforting taste of cornbread that you know and love with an added sweet tang that makes for a scrumptious side, snack, or breakfast item.

Get the Cornmeal Muffins with Blackberry Jam recipe.

4

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

pumpkin dinner rolls
Erica Kastner

Trust us, pumpkin will please a crowd long after fall. Soft and pillowy with a hint of buttery pumpkin flavor, they'll make a delicious adornment to your dinnertable. Oh! And be sure to pack on the butter.

Get the Pumpkin Dinner Rolls recipe.

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5

Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits

buttermilk ranch angel biscuits
Will Dickey

Part dinner roll, part buttermilk biscuit, all ethereal. Get it? This fluffy bread flavored with creamy buttermilk and zesty ranch seasoning won't last long on the table. Be sure to slather them in ranch butter too!

Get the Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits recipe.

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6

Ciabatta Bread

ciabatta bread
Caitlin Bensel

There are so many uses for homemade Ciabatta bread this Christmas season! Serve a loaf at dinner, use a piece or two for French toast before opening presents, or toss a few hunks into your salads and soups. No matter how you serve it, guests will rave.

Get the Ciabatta Bread recipe.

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7

Olive Oil Drop Biscuits

olive oil drop biscuits
Will Dickey

Talk about a Christmas miracle! These flaky, golden biscuits made of olive oil go from bowl to dining table in under 30 minutes to sit alongside (and pair perfectly with) your festive feast.

Get the Olive Oil Drop Biscuits recipe.

8

Maple Bacon Butter Fan Rolls

maple bacon butter fan rolls
Will Dickey

Our mouths are already watering over these delightful four-ingredient fan rolls that pull apart into sweet and spongy layers sprinkled with salty bacon. Just let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Get the Maple Bacon Butter Fan Rolls recipe.

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9

Parker House Rolls

parker house rolls bread recipes
Ree Drummond

Dinner rolls are a necessity at any holiday feast, and this classic recipe is just right for the job. Isn't that shape perfect for pulling apart and smearing with butter?

Get Ree's Parker House Rolls recipe.

10

Apple Butter Cheese Twists

apple butter cheese twists
Will Dickey

If you ask us, no Christmas party is complete without this sweet and savory puff pastry recipe. Not only will they taste just heavenly, but the twists will look so elegant sitting atop your table, too.

Get the Apple Butter Cheese Twists recipe.

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11

Buttermilk Biscuits

christmas bread recipes buttermilk biscuits
Will Dickey

Flaky biscuits will become a family favorite whether you serve it for breakfast or Christmas lunch. In fact, these buttermilk biscuits are just as delicious with honey and butter as they are served with sausage gravy.

Get the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.

12

Pumpkin Bread

christmas bread recipes pumpkin bread
Caitlin Bensel

Warm spices and pumpkin puree make this bread a classic throughout the season. You can top it with pumpkin seeds for crunch or mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter loaf.

Get the Pumpkin Bread recipe.

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13

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

christmas bread recipes gingerbread cinnamon rolls
Caitlin Bensel

A homemade gingerbread spice is the key to making these sweet rolls even more Christmas-y. It's made up of sugar, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg.

Get the Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls recipe.

14

Popovers

christmas bread recipes popovers
Will Dickey

Impress your guests with these over-the-top dinner rolls. They're light, puffy, and best served warm.

Get the Popovers recipe.

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15

Jalapeño Cornbread

christmas bread recipes jalapeno cornbread
David Malosh

This cornbread will kick things up for Christmas with a spicy twist. Not only is it made with fresh jalapeño peppers but there's also chili powder in the mix!

Get Ree's Jalapeño Cornbread recipe.

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16

Fruitcake

fruit cake
Will Dickey

It might have cake in the name, but this traditional holiday loaf is very similar to a quick bread. The recipe makes two fruitcakes so it's great for gifting!

Get the Fruitcake recipe.

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17

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

cinnamon roll monkey bread with frosting
Will Dickey

Is it a dessert or a breakfast? Who cares! Your family will love this cinnamon roll monkey bread no matter when you serve it.

Get the Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread recipe.

18

Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

pull apart garlic bread on wire rack
Caitlin Bensel

Give your holiday dinner rolls a flavorful upgrade with this buttery, garlicky, warm-from-the-oven bread. It's so much fun to eat!

Get the Pull-Apart Garlic Bread recipe.

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19

Skillet Cornbread

skillet cornbread
Ryan Liebe

Ree grew up eating this skillet cornbread so you know it has to be good. Give it a holiday spin by serving it with a flavorful butter.

Get Ree's Skillet Cornbread recipe.

20

Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

pull apart cheese bread
Caitlin Bensel

This trick for a simple loaf of bread creates the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish. All it takes are a few diamond-shaped slices across the top, store-bought pesto, and a bag of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Get the Pull-Apart Cheese Bread recipe.

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