15+ Ukrainian Christmas Bread Kolache Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Apr 12, 2024
If you're looking to add some traditional Ukrainian flavors to your holiday table, then look no further than this delicious Ukrainian Christmas bread kolache recipe. This sweet and doughy bread, also known as Kolach, is a staple in Ukrainian households during the Christmas season. Not only is it a delicious treat, but it also holds deep cultural and religious significance for the Ukrainian people. Let's dive into the history of this festive bread and learn how to make it at home.
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Large Eggs, Flour, Baking
Christmas is a time for indulging in delicious food, and one of the most beloved holiday treats is Christmas bread. Whether it's a traditional recipe passed down for generations or a modern twist on a classic, Christmas bread is a staple on many holiday tables. We've compiled a list of the top 20 Christmas bread recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family this holiday season. So put on your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up some festive and delicious treats!
Panettone is a traditional Italian Christmas bread that is rich, buttery, and filled with candied fruits and nuts. This recipe for Easy Homemade Italian Christmas Bread Panettone is a simplified version of the classic bread, perfect for beginners or those short on time. The dough is made with all-purpose flour, eggs, butter, and yeast, and then filled with your choice of dried fruits and nuts. The end result is a beautifully risen bread with a soft and airy texture, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate on Christmas morning.
3of 20
CHRISTMAS TREE PULL APART BREAD | HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS...
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour
If you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping Christmas bread, look no further than this Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread. This bread is shaped like a Christmas tree and filled with layers of garlic butter, cheese, and herbs. The bread is cut into individual pieces and arranged on a baking sheet in the shape of a tree, making for a festive and shareable appetizer or side dish. This recipe uses store-bought pizza dough for convenience, but you can also make your own homemade dough if you prefer.
4of 20
Easy Kolache Christmas Wreath
Main Ingredients: Hillshire Farm Lit L Smokies, Biscuits, Cheddar Cheese
Kolaches are a traditional Czech pastry that can be sweet or savory, and this Easy Kolache Christmas Wreath is a sweet twist on the classic. The dough is made with flour, yeast, butter, and eggs, and then filled with your choice of fruit preserves. The wreath shape is achieved by rolling the dough into a long rope and then shaping it into a circle. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert on Christmas day.
If you have leftover Christmas bread, don't let it go to waste! Turn it into a delicious Christmas bread pudding. This recipe combines eggs, milk, sugar, and spices to create a rich and custardy bread pudding. You can use any type of Christmas bread, such as panettone or fruit bread, and add in your choice of dried fruits or nuts. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent holiday dessert.
Norwegian Christmas bread, or Julebrød, is a sweet and aromatic bread filled with candied fruits and raisins. The dough is made with flour, butter, sugar, and yeast, and then filled with the fruit and nut mixture. This bread is traditionally served with a cup of hot chocolate or gløgg, a traditional Scandinavian mulled wine, on Christmas Eve. The recipe makes two loaves, so you can keep one for yourself and give the other as a thoughtful homemade gift.
7of 20
Romanian Easter & Christmas Bread Cozonac
Main Ingredients: Milk, Granulated Sugar, Butter, Bread Flour, Active Dry
Cozonac is a traditional Romanian bread that is typically served on holidays such as Easter and Christmas. It is a sweet bread that is filled with walnuts, raisins, and cocoa powder. The dough is made with milk, eggs, butter, and yeast, and requires a bit of patience as it needs to rise twice. The end result is a rich and flavorful bread that is perfect for slicing and enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a chilly Christmas morning.
8of 20
Cranberry Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Butter, Eggs, Brown Sugar, Whole Wheat Pastry
For a festive and colorful Christmas bread, try this Cranberry Christmas Bread. The dough is made with whole wheat flour, honey, and buttermilk, and then filled with fresh cranberries and orange zest. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dough, and the bright red color adds a pop of holiday cheer to any table. This bread is best served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
This Italian Christmas Bread, also known as Panettone di Milano, is a classic holiday treat that originated in Milan. The dough is made with flour, butter, eggs, and yeast, and then filled with candied citrus peel and raisins. The dough is left to rise overnight, resulting in a light and airy texture. This bread is typically served with a cup of espresso or a glass of sweet moscato wine on Christmas Day, but it's also delicious on its own.
10of 20
Viennese Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Dried Cranberries, Rum, Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast
This Viennese Christmas Bread, also known as Stollen, is a popular holiday treat in Austria and Germany. The dough is made with almond paste, candied fruits, and rum-soaked raisins, giving it a rich and decadent flavor. The dough is shaped into a loaf and then brushed with melted butter and powdered sugar before being baked. This bread is best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine by the fireplace.
11of 20
A Christmas bread
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Vanilla
For a simple and versatile Christmas bread recipe, try this A Christmas Bread. The dough is made with flour, sugar, milk, and yeast, and then filled with your choice of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. You can customize this bread to suit your preferences, making it as sweet or as savory as you like. It's perfect for breakfast, as a side dish, or as a snack throughout the holiday season.
12of 20
Provencal Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Granulated Sugar, Honey, Flour, Salt
Brioche de Noël, or Provencal Christmas Bread, is a traditional bread from the Provence region of France. The dough is made with eggs, butter, and orange blossom water, and then filled with candied fruit and almonds. The dough is shaped into a wreath or a star and then topped with a glaze before being baked. This bread is best served warm and is a delicious addition to any holiday breakfast or brunch spread.
13of 20
CZECH CHRISTMAS BREAD (VÁNOČKA)
Main Ingredients: Milk, White Sugar, Dried Yeast, All Purpose Flour
Vánočka is a traditional Czech Christmas bread that is typically served on Christmas Eve. The dough is made with flour, eggs, milk, and butter, and then braided and decorated with candied fruit and almonds. This bread requires a bit of time and effort, but the end result is a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for your holiday table. It's best enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine while gathered around with loved ones.
14of 20
Panettone [Italian Christmas Bread]
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Light Rum, Hot Water, All Purpose Flour
Panettone is a classic Italian Christmas bread that is beloved around the world. The dough is made with flour, eggs, butter, and yeast, and then filled with candied citrus peel and raisins. This recipe includes a step-by-step guide for making the perfect panettone, from kneading the dough to baking it in a special pan. This bread is best enjoyed with a cup of espresso or a glass of prosecco for a true Italian experience.
If you're looking for a unique and delicious Christmas bread, try this Julekake – Norwegian Christmas Bread. The dough is made with flour, cardamom, and yeast, and then filled with candied fruit and walnuts. The bread is shaped into a wreath and then topped with a glaze before being baked. This bread is perfect for slicing and enjoying with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of eggnog on a chilly winter night.
16of 20
Yulekaga (Scandinavian Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Lukewarm Water, Granulated
Yulekaga is a traditional Scandinavian Christmas bread that is similar to a sweet bread or brioche. The dough is made with eggs, butter, and cardamom, and then filled with raisins and candied fruit. The bread is shaped into a braid and then topped with a glaze before being baked. This bread is perfect for breakfast or as a treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
17of 20
Greek Christmas Bread - Christopsomos
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Water, Instant Yeast, Poolish, Salt
Christopsomos, or Greek Christmas Bread, is a traditional bread that is typically served on Christmas Day. The dough is made with flour, honey, orange zest, and spices, and then filled with walnuts and raisins. The bread is shaped into a round loaf and then decorated with a cross on top, symbolizing the coming of Christ. This bread is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a glass of ouzo while surrounded by family and friends.
18of 20
Stollen (German Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Candied Lemon Peel, Candied Orange Peel
Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that is typically served during the holiday season. The dough is made with flour, yeast, milk, and butter, and then filled with marzipan, candied fruit, and almonds. The bread is shaped into a loaf and then brushed with melted butter and powdered sugar before being baked. This bread is rich, dense, and perfect for enjoying with a cup of mulled wine or a glass of eggnog.
Julekake, or Norwegian Christmas Bread, is a sweet and flavorful bread that is traditionally served on Christmas morning. The dough is made with flour, cardamom, and yeast, and then filled with candied fruit and walnuts. The bread is shaped into a wreath and then topped with a glaze before being baked. This bread is perfect for sharing with loved ones over a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine.
20of 20
Fruit & Berry Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Egg, Butter, Salt, Flour, Sugar, Ginger, Canela
If you're looking for a lighter and healthier Christmas bread option, try this Fruit & Berry Christmas Bread. The dough is made with whole wheat flour, yogurt, and honey, and then filled with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and berries. The bread is shaped into a loaf and then topped with a honey glaze before being baked. This bread is perfect for those who are watching their sugar intake but still want to enjoy a delicious holiday treat.
The Origins of Ukrainian Christmas Bread Kolache
Symbolism and Tradition
The tradition of making Ukrainian Christmas bread kolache dates back centuries, with its roots firmly planted in the Orthodox Christian religion. The bread is usually served on Christmas Eve, also known as "Sviatyi Vechir" or "Holy Evening" in Ukraine. In the Orthodox tradition, this meal is meant to be meatless and features 12 dishes to represent the 12 apostles. Kolach is one of these dishes, and it holds deep symbolism in the Ukrainian culture. Its circular shape represents the circle of life and the unity of the family, while the three braids symbolize the Holy Trinity. This bread is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the household in the upcoming year.
Evolution of the Recipe
While the tradition of making Kolach during Christmas has remained the same, the recipe has evolved over time. Originally, the bread was made with simple ingredients such as flour, water, and yeast. However, as the recipe traveled to different regions and households, additional ingredients like eggs, butter, and sugar were added to enhance the flavor. Today, there are various versions of this traditional bread, each with its own unique twist, but the essence and symbolism remain the same.
How to Make Ukrainian Christmas Bread Kolache
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this delicious bread, you will need flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, eggs, and raisins. Begin by mixing the yeast with warm milk and sugar and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and melted butter. Gradually add in the yeast mixture and eggs, and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, let it rise for an hour or until it doubles in size.
Braiding and Baking
Once the dough has risen, divide it into three equal parts and roll them into long ropes. Braid the ropes together, tucking in raisins as you go. Place the braided bread onto a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Finally, brush the dough with an egg wash, sprinkle with more raisins, and bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Your Ukrainian Christmas bread kolache is now ready to be served and enjoyed with your loved ones.
In Conclusion
Now that you know the history and recipe for Ukrainian Christmas bread kolache, it's time to try it out for yourself. This delicious bread will not only add a touch of Ukrainian tradition to your holiday table but also bring your family together to share in the joy and blessings of the Christmas season. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and let the aroma of freshly baked Kolach fill your home with warmth and love.
![Panettone [Italian Christmas Bread] | Brown Eyed Baker | Bloglovin’](http://www.browneyedbaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/panettone-33-600.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/julekake-norwegian-christmas-bread-recipe-305849-hero-01-981f5903d32b420785ffe6e43a7a3d6a.jpg)
