Description
Celebrate the holidays with this beautiful and delicious Cranberry Orange Bread. Shaped like a festive wreath, this enriched bread is soft, slightly sweet, and bursting with tart cranberries and fresh orange zest. It’s perfect for quick breakfast ideas, easy holiday brunches, or as a make-ahead festive dessert. Adorned with sparkling sugar and decorative cranberries, this easy recipe makes a gorgeous centerpiece and a flavorful addition to your seasonal baking list. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter or topped with glaze, it brings the cozy magic of the holidays to your table.
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
Zest of 1 large orange
1 cup cranberries (fresh or soaked dried)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Sparkling sugar or pearl sugar
Sugared rosemary sprigs (optional)
Additional cranberries or white chocolate chips for decoration
Instructions
1. Combine warm milk and sugar in a bowl, sprinkle yeast over it, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, salt, and orange zest. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
3. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
4. Mix cranberries with brown sugar and cinnamon. Drain if using soaked dried cranberries.
5. Roll the dough into a 10×18 inch rectangle and spread the filling evenly. Roll tightly into a log and pinch the seam.
6. Transfer to a baking sheet and shape into a circle. Pinch the ends and make partial cuts around the ring.
7. Let the wreath rise for 30–45 minutes, covered lightly.
8. Whisk egg and milk, then brush over the dough. Decorate as desired.
9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
10. Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with powdered sugar or sugared rosemary if desired.
Notes
For a sweeter version, drizzle with orange glaze after baking.
Let the dough rise fully for the softest texture.
Use parchment to prevent sticking and ensure easy transfer.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg