Cranberry Orange Bread

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Golden, glossy, and shaped like a festive wreath, this Cranberry Orange Bread is as beautiful as it is delicious. Its soft, pillowy texture is subtly sweet, with bursts of tart cranberries and bright citrusy notes from orange zest. The decorative ring is dotted with glistening cranberries, herbaceous flecks of sugared rosemary, and festive toppings that make it the centerpiece of any holiday spread.

Perfect for Christmas morning, brunch gatherings, or holiday dessert tables, this bread brings comfort and cheer in every bite. It looks stunning but is surprisingly simple to make with basic pantry ingredients and a touch of creativity. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a swipe of butter, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread

• Eye-catching holiday presentation that doubles as a centerpiece
• Balanced flavors of sweet, tart, and citrus
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting
• Customizable with dried or fresh cranberries, icing drizzle, or nuts
• Can be made ahead and reheated without losing its softness

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into creating this wreath-shaped masterpiece, make sure you have the right tools at hand. A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier and helps develop gluten efficiently. A large mixing bowl for proofing is essential since the dough needs room to rise. You’ll also need a baking sheet or round pizza stone to shape and bake the wreath. Parchment paper ensures a clean release, while a pastry brush helps apply the egg wash evenly for that perfect golden finish. For zesting the orange, a microplane or fine grater works best. And don’t forget a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to snip and shape the wreath dough if desired.

Preparation Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for a better dough rise and smoother mixing process. When proofing, place the dough in a warm, draft-free environment — an oven with the light on works wonders. Fresh cranberries give a juicy pop, but dried cranberries soaked in orange juice also work beautifully. Don’t rush the rise; a slow and steady proof gives the bread its light texture. Brush generously with egg wash for that golden, bakery-style sheen, and if using decorative sugar or nuts, sprinkle them just before baking to keep them from burning.

Ingredients for this Cranberry Orange Bread

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• Zest of 1 large orange

For the Filling:

• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (if using dried, soak in orange juice for 15 minutes and drain)
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
• Sparkling sugar or pearl sugar
• Sugared rosemary sprigs (optional)
• Additional cranberries or white chocolate chips for decoration

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Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is activated and ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), whisk together flour, salt, and orange zest. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Knead the mixture on medium speed for about 8–10 minutes, or by hand until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free space for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix the cranberries with brown sugar and cinnamon (if using). If using dried cranberries, make sure they are well-drained after soaking.

Step 5: Shape the Wreath

Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle (about 10×18 inches). Evenly distribute the cranberry filling over the dough, then roll it up tightly from the long side to form a log. Pinch the seam closed.

Step 6: Form the Wreath

Carefully transfer the log to a parchment-lined baking sheet and shape it into a circle. Pinch the ends together to seal. Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to make cuts around the ring about 2/3 of the way through, spacing them evenly.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the shaped dough lightly and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 8: Apply the Egg Wash and Decorate

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the surface of the dough with the egg wash. Decorate with sparkling sugar, additional cranberries, or white chocolate chips if desired.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, garnish with sugared rosemary sprigs or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive finish.

Notes

Cranberry Orange Bread can be a showstopper on the table, but its beauty also lies in its versatility. You can make it with fresh cranberries for tart bursts or dried cranberries for a sweeter flavor. If you prefer a more dessert-like experience, consider adding white chocolate chips or an orange glaze on top. The dough is enriched, meaning it’s slightly sweet and rich in texture, making it perfect for both breakfast and dessert. You can also prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh the next morning.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the yeast proofing: If your yeast isn’t activated properly, the bread won’t rise as needed.
• Overloading with filling: Too many cranberries or too much sugar can weigh down the dough and lead to uneven baking.
• Not sealing the log correctly: If the seam isn’t sealed well, the wreath can unravel during baking.
• Cutting too deep: When shaping the wreath, cutting too far into the dough can break its structure.
• Overbaking: Watch the bread after 25 minutes—overbaking can dry out the inside.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave slices for about 20 seconds until soft and warm. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per slice (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: ~240 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Cholesterol: 40mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cranberries should I use?

You can use either fresh or dried cranberries. If using dried, soak them in orange juice beforehand to plump them up.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and let it do the first rise, then refrigerate overnight. Shape and let rise again before baking.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use the same amount of instant yeast and skip the proofing step. Just mix it directly with the flour.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane or fine grater, making sure to zest only the colored part and not the white pith, which is bitter.

Can I freeze the bread?

Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

How do I keep the bread soft after baking?

Store it in an airtight container and avoid slicing until ready to serve to preserve moisture.

Can I add nuts or white chocolate?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans, and white chocolate chips make great additions to the filling.

Can I drizzle icing over the top?

Yes, a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice) makes a beautiful, sweet finish.

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Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Bread is more than just a baked good—it’s a festive tradition waiting to happen. With its delightful blend of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors wrapped in a golden, soft bread, it’s a recipe that brings joy with every bite. Whether for a holiday brunch, a gift, or a cozy morning treat, this bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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