If you ask us, every holiday celebration should include a fresh-baked loaf or a basket overflowing with rolls. These festive bread recipes—traditional and modern, savory and sweet, quick and slow—will complete your menu and fill your day with cheer.
36 Cozy Holiday Breads to Bake and Share All Season
Christmas Star Twisted Bread
Swirled with jam, this sweet Christmas bread may look tricky, but it’s not. The best part is opening the oven to find this freshly baked star bread in all its glory. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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Christmas Morning Sweet Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These make-ahead rolls have been a holiday tradition for years. The eggnog in the frosting makes them extra special on Christmas morning. —Kimberly Williams, Brownsburg, Indiana
(Get recipes for more types of sweet bread!)
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 424 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Orange-Chip Cranberry Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart berries, crunchy nuts and sweet chocolate are simply scrumptious when mixed together in this easy quick bread. Sometimes I'll top it off with an orange-flavored glaze. —Donna Smith, Fairport, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 220 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Stollen Butter Rolls
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family enjoys my stollen so much they say it’s just too good to be served only as a holiday sweet bread. I created this buttery, less sweet dinner roll so we can satisfy our stollen cravings anytime. —Mindy White, Nashville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 198 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Chocolate Babka
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this chocolate babka. It’s a rewarding recipe for taking the next step in your bread baking. Even if it’s slightly imperfect going into the oven, it turns out gorgeous. Look at those swirls! —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 181 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Christmas Bread
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 loaf (20 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruitcake is a traditional Christmas treat, but my family and friends prefer this slightly sweet bread. It’s so pretty drizzled with vanilla icing and dotted with festive red and green candied fruit. I like to sprinkle extra fruit on top for added appeal. —Betty Jean McLaughlin, La Vista, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 214 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These low-fat hot rolls are flavored with garlic, dill and cheese—they’re yummy even without butter! Or stuff with your favorite fixings for mini sandwiches.
—NANCY BOYD, MIDLOTHIAN, VIRGINIA
—NANCY BOYD, MIDLOTHIAN, VIRGINIA
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 119 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
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Crusty Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Crackling homemade bread makes an average day extraordinary. Enjoy this beautiful crusty bread recipe as is, or stir in a few favorites like cheese, garlic, herbs and dried fruits. —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without add-ins): 105 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cinnamon rolls are sure to please anyone who has a sweet tooth. They’re just the thing for a Christmas morning treat. Be sure to eat them while they’re still warm—they’re best that way! The dough for these rolls is sticky, so don’t worry if your fingers get messy. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 315 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Glazed Cranberry Swirl Loaf
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite recipes to serve during the holidays. Without the filling, it makes a nice soft, chewy bread for any regular day! —Chris Carattini, Chadron, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 157 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Candy Cane Chocolate Loaves
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
3 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I had a bunch of leftover candy canes after the holidays, I was inspired to use them up by adding them to a chocolate bread. Coffee and cocoa intensify the flavor. —Shelly Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 162 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
12/36
Stollen
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 loaves
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 244 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
13/36
Halva and Nutella Babka Buns
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 buns
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the result of many years of tweaking and perfecting. It is a favorite request when visitors come to my farm. —Dawn Lamoureux-Crocker, Machiasport, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 bun: 748 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 102g carbohydrate (52g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
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Best Dinner Rolls
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These are the best dinner rolls around. If you can’t decide which enticing topping to use, just make them all.—Christina Pittman, Parkville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll (calculated without toppings): 118 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Double Cranberry Banana Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
1 loaf (12 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
We love quick breads, and I’ve found that they freeze nicely if properly wrapped. This is a scrumptious recipe to make before the holidays and freeze for last-minute guests or gifts. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 289 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Herb Biscuit Loaf
Total Time
45 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These buttery, pull-apart biscuits are a sure way to make any meal special, from Thanksgiving dinner to a weekday supper. Their wonderful herb flavor makes my husband think I fussed. —Amy Smith, Maplewood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 121 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread
Total Time
50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The kids will get a kick out of pulling off gooey pieces of this delectable monkey bread. It’s hard to resist the caramel-coated treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 334 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Cinnamon Quick Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While cinnamon swirl bread is a natural for breakfast, we love it so much we enjoy it all day long. This is a nice twist on traditional cinnamon swirl yeast breads. —Helen Richardson, Shelbyville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 179 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Dutch Oven Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Crackling homemade bread makes an average day extraordinary. Enjoy this beautiful crusty bread recipe as is, or stir in a few favorites like cheese, garlic, herbs and dried fruits. —Catherine Ward, Mequon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Overnight Reindeer Rolls
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love helping in the kitchen. This year, have a little fun making these reindeer-shaped rolls with your little bakers. And make sure to take pictures because the treats will be gone before you know it! —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 116 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Swedish Cream Apple Rings
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 rings (10 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made these coffee cake classics for every important holiday—Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Now, I carry on the tradition. As I make them, I remember my mom, who was a lot like this recipe: full of surprises. The overnight rise lets you make the dough in advance so your morning won't be hectic. —Heather Hood, Hillsboro, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 290 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Cranberry Walnut Bread
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this cranberry nut bread decades ago by combining a couple of recipes from my collection. A friend suggested I add even more cranberries. Now there's a big burst of tart cranberry and lots of crunchy nuts in every piece. —Dawn Lowenstein, Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 169 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 258mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Best Ever Banana Bread
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I pass a display of bananas in the grocery store, I can almost smell the wonderful aroma of this banana bread. It really is amazingly good! —Gert Kaiser, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 257 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Pesto Christmas Tree Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the ultimate tear-and-share loaf for the holidays! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 189 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Best-Ever Crescent Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
32 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter and I have cranked out dozens of homemade crescent rolls. It’s a real team effort. I cut the dough into pie-shaped wedges; she rolls. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 104 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Olive Focaccia
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 loaf (8 wedges)
From the Recipe Creator:
After adding my own special touches to a basic foccacia recipe, including sun-dried tomatoes, olives and roasted sweet red peppers, the results were simply delectable. The flavorful, chewy loaf makes a wonderful accompaniment to nearly any meal. —Dee Froemel, Hayward, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 118 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 418mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Maple Butter Twists
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 coffee cakes (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My stepmother passed on the recipe for this delicious yeast coffee cake that’s shaped into pretty rings. When I make it for friends, they always ask for seconds. —June Gilliland, Hope, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 119 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Breakfast Sausage Bread
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Any time we take this savory, satisfying bread to a potluck, it goes over very well. We never bring any home. My husband generally makes this bread and prides himself on the beautiful golden loaves.
-Shirley Caldwell, Northwood, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 102 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Cinnamon Twists
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These delightful golden twists are perfect for a spring brunch or lunch. The brown sugar and cinnamon give them a delicate spicy flavor. It’s a good thing the recipe makes a big batch, because people can rarely eat just one.
—Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois
—Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 twist: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 97mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Sweet Italian Holiday Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 loaf (20 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is authentic ciambellotto, a sweet loaf my great-grandmother used to bake in Italy. I still use her traditional recipe—the only update I made was for using modern appliances. —Denise Perrin, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 197 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These jumbo Nutella cinnamon rolls will stand alone at your next brunch. Bursting with chocolate, hazelnut, espresso and cinnamon, they will please any palate and bring to mind your favorite coffee shop bakery. —Pam Ivbuls, Elkhorn, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 616 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 89g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
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Eggnog Bread
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 loaves (6 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
The seasonal flavors of eggnog, rum extract and nutmeg shine through in these moist, golden loaves. Tender slices are just right with a cup of coffee. —Beverly Elmore, Spokane, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 158 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Nut Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
It isn't officially the holidays until I've made this treasured nut roll recipe from my husband's grandmother. The apple-walnut filling is moist, subtly sweet and flavorful. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 222 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Very Cherry Crescent Ring
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to prepare this pretty coffee cake on Christmas Eve for our family to enjoy the next morning after opening gifts. It’s an easy way to add an elegant touch to a holiday breakfast or brunch. —Karen Sevensky, Hackettstown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 273 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Chocolate Chai Mini Loaves
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 mini loaves (6 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This bread is irresistible! A friend gets mad when I make it because I give her a loaf and she can’t help but eat the whole thing! —Lisa Christensen, Poplar Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 208 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
36/36
Sour Cream Fan Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe from an email pen pal in Canada. The dough is so easy to work with, and it makes the lightest yeast rolls. I haven't used another white bread recipe since I started making this one.
-Carrie Ormsby, West Jordan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 182 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.