Glazed Mini Christmas Loaves

This year for Christmas we were able to get together with our family in a way that we could not last year. I was excited to make some special recipes for our Christmas dinner. One was this recipe I have had for many years called Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas Loaves. I changed it up just enough to include flavors that I enjoy and it made such a difference! Follow along to see how you can also make these flavorful little loaves of bread!!

I received a set of old printed recipe cards about 40 years ago. Some of them are my go-to recipes. As you can see, this bread recipe came from that set of old recipe cards. Here are both sides of the original recipe card.

The original recipe makes 4 small loaves. I only wanted 2 loaves so I cut the recipe in half.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk

1/4 cup butter

6 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons beaten egg

2/3 cup raisins

1/4 cup diced candied cherries (I used green)

candy thermometer

dough scraper

rubber scraper

sharp knife

baking sheet

electric mixer

In bowl of a stand mixer, combine the half of the flour and yeast.

Microwave the milk and butter in a 1 cup measure for about 30 seconds on 100% power.

Check the temperature with a candy thermometer. Heat until the mixture is warmed to 115 to 120 degrees.

Add the milk-butter mixture and the beaten egg to the flour in the mixing bowl.

Beat for about 5 minutes, scraping the bowl after 2 minutes.

Add remaining flour along with the raisins and diced green cherries.

Mix until the dough comes together. Add a little more flour if the dough seems too wet.

Cover bowl with a towel or plastic wrap.

Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Until doubled.

Grease a baking sheet.

Cut the dough into 2 portions and shape into 2 ropes on the baking sheet.

Twist each rope to make 2 pretty shaped twisted breads.

Let rise again for about 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place the baking sheet with the breads in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until they are nicely browned.

Remove from the oven.

Place the breads on a cooling rack.

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon milk

Combine the glaze ingredients, stirring until smooth.

When the breads have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the breads.

I was in the mood to decorate the breads some more after all, it's Christmas!!! I sliced 5 more green cherries in half and put them on the bread. Then I sprinkled a little red colored sugar.

And there you have my Glazed Mini Christmas Loaves. I must say, they are quite tasty!!

I hope you enjoyed seeing how I made these extra special breads, made with love for my family for Christmas!!! Let me know if you give the recipe a try. It won't disappoint!