8–10 servings, 25 min prep, 30 min baking, 145 min total. St Nicholas Breakfast Sweet Spiced Bread uses flour, butter, milk, yeast, raisins, and warm spices like cinnamon. Soft, lightly sweet holiday loaf with golden crust and classic almond topping—perfect for December breakfasts or festive brunch tables. Easy to shape, freezer-friendly, and rises twice for fluffy results.
Festive Holiday Bread Inspired by St. Nicholas Traditions
A Seasonal Favorite for Breakfast and Brunch
Soft, lightly sweet, and gently spiced, st Nicholas breakfast celebrates the warm flavors of winter with a tender bread perfect for sharing on festive mornings. The dough is enriched with milk, butter, and a touch of sugar, creating a delicate crumb that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Spices like cinnamon or cardamom bring depth and warmth, while optional raisins or candied citrus add texture and holiday charm. A glossy egg wash and almond or pearl sugar decoration finish the loaf with a traditional touch seen across European regions that honor St. Nicholas Day on December 6.
Origin and Cultural Significance
St. Nicholas Bread has deep roots in Central and Western Europe, where it is commonly enjoyed during the feast of St. Nicholas. In countries like Switzerland and Germany, similar dough forms into little bread men known as Grittibänz or Weckmänner. This festive bread marks the beginning of the holiday season and evokes comforting memories of childhood, winter festivities, and cozy family gatherings. Over time, it has evolved into a versatile breakfast bread that pairs well with jams, butter, honey, or festive spreads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture perfect for breakfast
- Mildly sweet flavor enhanced by aromatic spices
- Beautiful presentation ideal for festive tables
- Customizable with raisins, almonds, or citrus peel
- Comforting holiday aroma that fills the kitchen
Key Flavor and Texture Elements
The dough develops its signature soft texture thanks to enriched ingredients like milk and butter. A controlled rise time ensures optimal fluffiness, while gentle kneading builds structure without toughness. The mild spice blend supports the sweetness without overpowering the bread, making it versatile for topping and serving options.
Semantic Ingredient and Technique Insights: Seasonal Dough Crafting
- Winter spices: Bring warmth and signature holiday flavor
- Enriched dough: Creates a tender, rich crumb structure
- Slow proofing: Enhances flavor complexity
- Simple shaping: Makes the loaf perfect for sharing or gifting
Here are more festive breads and cookie ideas you might enjoy this season. Explore and get inspired:
For a step-by-step winter bread tutorial, try this helpful guide:
St. Nicholas Bread Men – Grittibänz Step-by-Step
Discover another style of sweet holiday loaf:
St. Nicholas Bread – Soft Sweet Holiday Loaf
Looking for festive cookies to accompany the bread? Try:
St. Nicholas Day Cookies – Classic Speculaas Recipe
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
St Nicholas Bread is ideal for planning ahead of a busy holiday breakfast. Once baked and cooled completely, it keeps its softness for 2–3 days when wrapped in a clean cloth or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To extend freshness, freeze the loaf (whole or sliced) in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven before serving. The dough itself can also be prepared the day before and refrigerated overnight for slow fermentation, enhancing the flavor and making morning baking hassle-free.
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- Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine 1 packet active dry yeast (7 g) with ½ cup of the lukewarm milk (120 ml). Stir gently and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy. The surface should look bubbly; if not, the yeast may be inactive. - Mix dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups all-purpose flour (500 g), ⅓ cup granulated sugar (70 g), 1 tsp salt (6 g), 1 tsp ground cinnamon (3 g), and ¼ tsp ground cardamom (1 g). Stir together with a wooden spoon or whisk. - Combine wet and dry:
Add the foamy yeast mixture, the remaining ½ cup lukewarm milk (120 ml), 4 tbsp softened butter (60 g), and 1 large egg (50 g) into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix using a dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes or knead by hand until a rough dough forms. - Knead to smoothness:
Increase mixer speed to medium or continue kneading by hand for 7–10 minutes until dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If dough feels too dry, add 1 tbsp milk. It should stretch easily without tearing. - Add raisins:
Gently knead in ½ cup raisins (75 g) until distributed evenly. The dough should feel soft and pliable. - First rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60 minutes, or until doubled in size. The dough will look puffy and spring back slowly when pressed. - Shape the bread:
Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 2 equal parts and shape each into a loaf or festive figure. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave room between shapes. - Second rise:
Cover the shaped dough pieces with a cloth and let rise for 30 minutes. They should appear slightly fuller and soft to the touch. - Apply egg wash and topping:
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C), fan-assisted. Brush dough with 1 egg yolk (20 g) mixed with 1 tbsp water. Sprinkle 2 tbsp sliced almonds (15 g) over the top. The surface should appear glossy and lightly coated. - Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped underneath. If not browned, bake another 2–3 minutes. - Cool:
Transfer to a wire rack. Let cool at least 30 minutes before slicing. This prevents steam from making the interior gummy.
FAQ questionCan I make St Nicholas Bread without raisins?
Yes, you can omit the raisins or replace them with dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or candied citrus peel. The texture will stay the same, and the flavor will adapt depending on your chosen substitute.
FAQ questionWhy didn’t my dough rise properly?
The dough likely didn’t rise because the yeast was expired or the milk was too hot or too cold. Use yeast within its shelf life, and ensure the milk is lukewarm (around 100°F / 38°C) when blooming. Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
FAQ questionHow do I store St Nicholas Bread to keep it soft?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap in plastic or a clean cloth to prevent drying out. For longer storage, freeze slices in freezer bags and thaw at room temperature.
FAQ questionCan I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze the shaped dough after the first rise. Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, and bake as instructed.
FAQ questionWhat type of flour works best for this bread?
Use all-purpose flour for a soft and tender texture. Bread flour also works but results in a slightly chewier crumb. Avoid cake flour, which is too low in protein and won’t hold structure well.
FAQ questionHow do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is ready when it turns golden brown, sounds hollow when tapped underneath, and reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C). If pale or soft, bake 2–3 minutes longer.
FAQ questionIs there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to improve structure. The texture will be slightly denser and less elastic, but the flavor remains warm and festive.
I’ve made this festive spiced bread every December in my bakery, refining the texture and rise to suit home ovens while keeping its traditional flavor. I know exactly how enriched dough reacts to yeast, spices, and slow proofing, and I can guide bakers from beginner to advanced to master it with confidence.
PEKIS – professional chef and recipe developer with over 25 years of experience, specialized in European and international cuisine.
Key Takeaways for St Nicholas Breakfast: Sweet Spiced Bread
St Nicholas breakfast offers a festive, soft, and lightly sweet loaf enriched with butter, milk, and warm spices. Ready in about 145 minutes, with only 25 minutes of active prep, it’s an easy recipe designed for home bakers of all levels. The dough is forgiving, rises twice for a fluffy texture, and can be shaped into traditional loaves or playful holiday figures. With a touch of cinnamon and cardamom, plus optional raisins or almond toppings, the flavor is cozy and seasonal.
Flexible for Different Diets and Preferences
This recipe adapts well to dietary needs:
- Swap in plant-based milk and margarine to create a dairy-free version without affecting texture.
- Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend and xanthan gum for a reliable gluten-free option.
- Skip the nuts or use sugar pearls to make it nut-free and kid-friendly.
The bread also freezes well—perfect for make-ahead planning or gifting during the holidays.
Best Ways to Serve and Enjoy
Serve St Nicholas Bread freshly baked with butter, jam, honey, or festive spreads. It works beautifully as a centerpiece for holiday brunch, an edible gift, or a comforting breakfast in December. The soft interior and golden crust make it ideal for pairing with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
What Makes This Bread a Holiday Favorite
Easy to master, perfectly seasonal, and deeply rooted in European tradition, St Nicholas Breakfast Sweet Spiced Bread brings nostalgic flavors and bakery-level softness to your table. Its versatility, gentle sweetness, and warm spices make it a perfect recipe to celebrate the festive season—especially on December 6, St Nicholas Day, or throughout winter gatherings.
Allergens:
Contains gluten, eggs, milk, and tree nuts (almonds).
Substitution tips:
- For gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum. Texture will be slightly denser.
- For dairy-free: Replace milk with oat milk and butter with vegan margarine.
- To omit nuts: Leave out sliced almonds or replace with coarse sugar topping.
Vitamins & Minerals (per serving):
- Vitamin B1 (0.1 mg) – Supports energy metabolism
- Vitamin B2 (0.15 mg) – Helps convert food into energy
- Calcium (35 mg) – Aids in bone health
- Iron (1.2 mg) – Supports oxygen transport in blood
- Magnesium (15 mg) – Helps regulate muscle and nerve function
Antioxidants (per serving):
- Polyphenols (30 mg) – May reduce inflammation
- Flavonoids (20 mg) – Support heart and immune health
- Carotenoids (5 mg) – Promote eye and skin health
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