16+ Swedish Christmas Bread Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 2, 2024
If you're looking for a festive and delicious addition to your holiday table, look no further than this traditional Swedish Christmas bread recipe. This beautifully braided bread, also known as Vörtbröd, is filled with warm spices and dried fruits, making it the perfect treat for the winter season. Whether you're familiar with Swedish cuisine or just love trying new recipes, this article will provide you with all the information you need to create a professional and well-organized introduction to this delicious bread.
These delicate and buttery cookies have been passed down through generations in Sweden. Made with a special blend of spices and topped with a sprinkle of sugar, these cookies are a must-have during the holiday season. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of coffee, these Swedish Heirloom Cookies are a timeless classic that will leave you wanting more.
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Swedish Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Superfine Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla
If you love shortbread, you'll fall in love with this Swedish version. The addition of almond extract gives these cookies a unique and delicious flavor, while the delicate texture will have you reaching for more. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a simple treat to enjoy with a glass of milk.
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Swedish Fruitcake
Main Ingredients: Dried Figs, Dried Apricots, Raisins, Dark Rum, Orange
Forget the heavy and overly sweet fruitcakes you're used to, and try this traditional Swedish version. Made with a blend of dried fruits, spices, and nuts, this fruitcake is moist and flavorful without being too heavy. It's the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table and can be enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
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Swedish Christmas meat balls
Main Ingredients: Beef, Potato, Onion, Cream, Breadcrumbs, Egg, Water
No holiday gathering in Sweden is complete without a plate of these tender and flavorful meatballs. Made with a combination of beef and pork, these meatballs are seasoned with traditional Swedish spices and topped with a creamy gravy. Serve them as an appetizer at your holiday party or as a main dish for a cozy family dinner.
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Slice & Bake Swedish Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon
If you're short on time but still want to impress your guests with homemade cookies, these Slice & Bake Swedish Christmas Cookies are the answer. The dough can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge, making it easy to slice and bake whenever you're ready. The combination of vanilla and almond flavors in these cookies will have your house smelling like a winter wonderland.
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The Classic Swedish Christmas Drink
Main Ingredients: Dark Ale, Sugar, Raisins, Ginger Root, Cloves, Cardamom
No holiday celebration in Sweden is complete without a glass of the classic Swedish Christmas drink. Made with a combination of red wine, spices, and a touch of brandy, this warm and comforting drink is perfect for cold winter nights. Serve it with a side of gingerbread cookies for the ultimate holiday treat.
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Swedish Christmas Chocolate Praline Ischoklad
Main Ingredients: Chocolate, Coconut Oil
These bite-sized treats are a must-have during the holiday season in Sweden. Made with a combination of chocolate, coconut oil, and hazelnut praline, these treats are a delicious and indulgent addition to any holiday spread. The best part? They require no baking and can be whipped up in no time.
This traditional Swedish mulled wine is a staple during the holiday season. Made with red wine, spices, and a touch of liquor, this warm and comforting drink is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. It's also a great way to warm up after a day of skiing or ice skating.
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Swedish Saffranskrans is a Magical Holiday Bread
Main Ingredients: Orange Marmalade, Unsalted Butter, Cardamom, Orange
This beautiful and festive bread is a staple in Swedish households during the holiday season. Made with saffron, this bread has a unique and delicate flavor, and its braided shape makes it perfect for sharing. Enjoy it for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea.
This version of the classic Swedish mulled wine is made with white wine, making it a lighter and sweeter alternative to the traditional red wine version. The addition of dried fruits and almonds gives it a delicious and festive twist. It's the perfect drink to serve at your holiday party or to enjoy while decorating the Christmas tree.
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Hasselback Potato Gratin
Main Ingredients: Gruyere Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream, Garlic
This Swedish twist on a classic potato gratin is a must-try. The thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream and cheese, then baked to perfection. The result is a crispy and creamy dish that will leave your taste buds singing. It's the perfect side dish for your holiday feast.
Cinnamon rolls are a staple in Swedish bakeries, and for good reason. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a delicious cinnamon sugar mixture. They're perfect for a cozy Christmas morning breakfast or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee.
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Gløgg - Swedish Mulled Wine
Main Ingredients: Dry Red Wine, Spiced Rum, Honey, Cardamom Pods
This version of the classic Swedish mulled wine is made with a combination of red wine and aquavit, giving it a unique and festive flavor. The addition of dried fruits and spices makes it the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold winter night. Enjoy it in front of a crackling fire for the ultimate holiday experience.
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Gingerbread Swedish Buns
Main Ingredients: Water, Active Dry Yeast, Unsalted Butter, Light Brown
If you love gingerbread, you'll fall in love with these Swedish buns. Made with a combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, these buns are filled with a delicious cream cheese filling and topped with a sprinkle of sugar. They're the perfect holiday treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa.
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Ellen’s Swedish Pepparkakor
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Egg, Dark Corn Syrup, Orange
These traditional Swedish gingerbread cookies are a staple during the holiday season. The addition of molasses gives them a deep and rich flavor, while the assortment of spices makes them irresistible. Make a batch to decorate and hang on your Christmas tree, or enjoy them as a tasty treat with a glass of milk.
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Swedish Vanilla Spritz
Main Ingredients: Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Fine Sea Salt, Unsalted
These delicate and buttery cookies are a classic in Swedish households during the holiday season. They're made with a cookie press, which gives them their signature shape, and the addition of vanilla makes them irresistible. They're perfect for sharing with family and friends or for gifting during the holidays.
No list of Swedish recipes would be complete without the iconic Swedish meatballs. Made with a blend of beef and pork and seasoned with traditional spices, these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for any holiday gathering. Don't forget the lingonberry sauce for the perfect accompaniment.
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Glögg (Swedish Mulled Wine)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Dry Red Wine, Port Wine, Brandy, Raisins
This version of the classic Swedish mulled wine is made with a combination of red wine and aquavit, giving it a unique and festive flavor. The addition of dried fruits and spices makes it the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold winter night. Enjoy it in front of a crackling fire for the ultimate holiday experience.
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Traditional Swedish Mulled Wine
Main Ingredients: Bordeaux, Brandy, Port, Sugar, Raisins, Blanched
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version of the classic Swedish mulled wine, this recipe is for you. Made with grape juice, spices, and a touch of honey, this warm and comforting drink is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. It's a great alternative to hot chocolate for a cozy night in.
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Swedish Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Softened Butter, Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar
These cookies are a delicious twist on the traditional Swedish gingerbread cookies. The addition of butterscotch chips gives them a unique and irresistible flavor, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Enjoy them as a tasty treat with a cup of tea or coffee, or add them to your holiday cookie platter for a fun and delicious addition.
Ingredients You'll Need
Flour
Flour is the foundation of any bread recipe, and this Swedish Christmas bread is no exception. To achieve the perfect texture and consistency, you'll need all-purpose flour. If you prefer a heartier bread, you can also use whole wheat flour or a combination of both.
Spices
No Christmas bread is complete without warm and aromatic spices. This recipe calls for ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger, which add a delightful depth of flavor to the bread.
Dried Fruits
To add a touch of sweetness and texture to the bread, you'll need a variety of dried fruits. Traditional Swedish recipes call for raisins, cranberries, and apricots, but feel free to use your favorite dried fruits or a combination of different ones.
Yeast
To help the bread rise and achieve that perfect fluffy texture, you'll need active dry yeast. Make sure to check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure it's still active.
Molasses
A key ingredient in this recipe is molasses, which adds a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the bread. If you can't find molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it's time to start baking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Swedish Christmas bread:
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger. Add in the yeast mixture, 1/4 cup of molasses, and 1/2 cup of warm water. Mix everything together until a sticky dough forms.
3. Add the Dried Fruits
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, add in 1/2 cup of dried fruits and continue to knead until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Let it Rise
Place the dough in a greased mixing bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Bread
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope and braid them together. Place the braided bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake and Enjoy
Bake the bread at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your freshly baked Swedish Christmas bread with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm cup of glögg, a traditional Swedish mulled wine.
In Conclusion
This traditional Swedish Christmas bread recipe is a must-try for any holiday baking enthusiast. Its warm and comforting flavors will surely become a new favorite for you and your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy the delicious taste of this festive bread. Happy baking!
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