Winter is an excellent time to indulge in the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread. From traditional favorites to creative twists, these recipes will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas and your heart with homely joy. Whether you prefer classic flavors or adventurous combinations, these 18 bread recipes promise to bring warmth and joy to your winter days. Ideal for pairing with hearty soups, stews, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter, these breads make every moment cozier. Embrace the art of baking and let the fresh bread transform your winter meals into something truly special.
1. Nutty Banana Bread
Warm up your winter mornings with a slice of nutty banana bread. This recipe combines ripe bananas with crunchy walnuts for an irresistible treat. Start by mashing 300 grams of overripe bananas. In a bowl, mix 100 grams of sugar, 75 grams of softened butter, and one large egg until creamy. Combine with the mashed bananas. Separately, mix 150 grams of flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir in 100 grams of chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 175°C for 60 minutes. Enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy start to your day.
2. Rosemary Olive Focaccia
This aromatic rosemary olive focaccia is a delightful addition to any winter meal. Begin by dissolving 7 grams of yeast in 300 ml of warm water. Add 500 grams of flour, 10 grams of salt, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Knead into a smooth dough and let it rise for an hour. Stretch the dough onto a baking sheet, pressing dimples into the surface. Scatter fresh rosemary sprigs and black olives over the top. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake at 220°C for 25 minutes until golden. This bread is ideal for dipping in olive oil or accompanying a hearty soup.
3. Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Bread
Add some spice to your life with this jalapeño cheddar bread, a fun twist for chilly days. Mix 500 grams of flour, one teaspoon of salt, and two teaspoons of sugar. In a separate bowl, dissolve 7 grams of yeast in 250 ml of warm milk. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, adding 100 grams of grated cheddar and 2 sliced jalapeños. Knead until smooth, then let rise for one hour. Shape into a loaf, sprinkle more cheddar on top, and bake at 200°C for 30 minutes. With its spicy kick and cheesy goodness, this bread is sure to be a winter favorite.
4. Sweet Cardamom Bread
Infuse your home with the sweet, exotic aroma of cardamom with this delightful bread. Start by warming 250 ml of milk and stir in 7 grams of yeast. In a large bowl, mix 500 grams of flour, 100 grams of sugar, and a teaspoon of ground cardamom. Combine the yeast mixture with the dry ingredients, adding 75 grams of melted butter and one egg. Knead until smooth and let rise for two hours. Shape into a braid, place on a baking tray, and bake at 190°C for 25 minutes. Brush with a sugar glaze to add a sweet finish. Excellent for a cozy afternoon tea.
5. Rustic Rye Sourdough
Experience the deep, earthy flavors of rustic rye sourdough. Begin by mixing 300 grams of rye flour with 200 grams of strong white flour. Add 10 grams of salt and 300 ml of water. Stir in 150 grams of sourdough starter and knead until smooth. Allow the dough to rise for 4 hours at room temperature. Shape into a round loaf, place in a proofing basket, and let it rise for another 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 220°C and bake for 30 minutes. This hearty loaf pairs wonderfully with winter soups and stews, offering a satisfying chew.
6. Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf
Brighten up a winter day with this zesty lemon poppy seed loaf. Begin by mixing 200 grams of sugar with 100 grams of softened butter until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well. Stir in 250 grams of flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Fold in the zest of two lemons and 3 tablespoons of poppy seeds. Pour into a loaf pan and bake at 180°C for 40 minutes. The tangy lemon flavor combined with the nutty poppy seeds creates a delightful contrast, making this loaf a refreshing treat.
7. Chocolate Swirl Bread
Indulge in the rich flavors of this chocolate swirl bread, a luxurious treat for winter evenings. Start by preparing a basic dough with 500 grams of flour, 7 grams of yeast, 250 ml of milk, and 50 grams of sugar. Knead until smooth and let rise for one hour. Roll out the dough and spread 100 grams of melted dark chocolate over the surface. Roll up tightly and place in a loaf pan. Let it rise for another hour before baking at 190°C for 30 minutes. The chocolate swirls inside the bread create a marbled effect, offering a delightful surprise with every bite.
8. Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Rolls
These garlic herb pull-apart rolls are a fun and flavorful addition to any meal. Begin by mixing 500 grams of flour, 7 grams of yeast, one teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add 250 ml of warm milk and 50 grams of melted butter. Knead until smooth and let it rise for one hour. Divide the dough into small balls and place them in a baking dish. Brush with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped herbs like parsley and thyme. Bake at 190°C for 20 minutes. These rolls are excellent for sharing and make a lovely accompaniment to winter stews.
9. Honey Whole Wheat Bread
Enjoy the wholesome beauty of honey whole wheat bread, a nutritious choice for cold days. Mix 300 grams of whole wheat flour with 200 grams of white flour. Add 10 grams of salt, 7 grams of yeast, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Pour in 300 ml of warm water and knead until smooth. Let the dough rise for one hour, then shape into a loaf. Place in a loaf pan and bake at 200°C for 30 minutes. This bread offers a slightly sweet flavor, thanks to the honey, and pairs beautifully with butter or jam for a comforting snack.
10. Cranberry Orange Bread
Enjoy the flavors of the season with cranberry orange bread. Begin by mixing 250 grams of flour with 150 grams of sugar, one teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, combine 100 ml of orange juice, the zest of one orange, and 100 grams of softened butter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in 150 grams of fresh cranberries. Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake at 180°C for 45 minutes. The tangy cranberries and citrusy orange zest create a delightful flavor combination that’s excellent for winter mornings.
11. Pumpkin Spice Bread
Warm up with the classic taste of pumpkin spice bread, a beloved choice for autumn and winter. Mix 300 grams of flour with 200 grams of sugar, one teaspoon of baking powder, and a generous pinch of pumpkin spice. In a separate bowl, combine 200 grams of pumpkin puree, 100 ml of vegetable oil, and 2 eggs. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry, then pour the batter into a loaf pan. Bake at 180°C for 50 minutes. The aromatic spices and moist texture make this bread a comforting treat for chilly days, especially when served with cream cheese.
12. Cheesy Spinach Swirl Bread
Try this cheesy spinach swirl bread for a savory twist on classic flavors. Start by preparing a basic dough with 500 grams of flour, 7 grams of yeast, and 250 ml of warm milk. Let it rise for one hour. Roll out the dough and spread a mixture of 200 grams of cooked spinach and 100 grams of grated cheese over the surface. Roll up tightly and place in a loaf pan. Allow it to rise for another hour before baking at 190°C for 30 minutes. This bread offers layers of cheesy, spinach goodness, making it a delightful accompaniment to winter soups.
13. Gingerbread Loaf
Enjoy gingerbread loaf, infused with warm spices and molasses. Begin by mixing 250 grams of flour with one teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt, and a generous amount of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. In a separate bowl, combine 100 grams of melted butter, 150 grams of molasses, and 2 eggs. Mix the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a loaf pan. Bake at 180°C for 45 minutes. This bread’s rich, spicy flavor is a wonderful treat during the holiday season, especially when paired with a hot drink.
14. Savory Cheese and Chive Scones
These savory cheese and chive scones are a delightful snack, ideal for cold winter afternoons. Begin by mixing 250 grams of flour with one teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Rub in 75 grams of butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in 100 grams of grated cheese and a handful of chopped chives. Add 150 ml of milk to form a dough. Roll out and cut into scones, then bake at 200°C for 15 minutes. These scones are best served warm, with butter, and make a tasty accompaniment to hearty soups or stews.
15. Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of cinnamon raisin bread, a winter classic. Start by preparing a dough with 500 grams of flour, 7 grams of yeast, and 250 ml of warm milk. Let it rise for one hour. Roll out the dough and sprinkle with a mixture of 100 grams of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Scatter 150 grams of raisins over the surface, then roll up tightly and place in a loaf pan. Allow it to rise for another hour before baking at 190°C for 30 minutes. This bread offers a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, ideal for breakfast or tea time.
16. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Bread
Enjoy the Mediterranean flavors of sun-dried tomato and basil bread, nice choice for winter. Mix 500 grams of flour with 10 grams of salt, 7 grams of yeast, and 300 ml of warm water. Stir in 100 grams of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a handful of fresh basil leaves. Knead into a smooth dough and let it rise for one hour. Shape into a loaf, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 220°C for 25 minutes. The aromatic combination of sun-dried tomatoes and basil creates a flavorful bread that pairs beautifully with olive oil or cheese.
17. Coconut Mango Bread
Bring a taste of the tropics to your winter table with coconut mango bread. Begin by mixing 250 grams of flour with 150 grams of sugar, one teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, combine 100 ml of coconut milk, 100 grams of melted butter, and one egg. Mix the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in 200 grams of diced mango and 50 grams of coconut flakes. Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake at 180°C for 50 minutes. This bread’s exotic flavors offer a refreshing escape from winter’s chill, making it a unique treat.
18. Zucchini Walnut Bread
Try zucchini walnut bread for a healthy, hearty treat this winter. Start by grating 200 grams of zucchini and squeezing out excess moisture. Mix 300 grams of flour with 150 grams of sugar, one teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, combine 100 ml of vegetable oil and 2 eggs. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry, then fold in the grated zucchini and 100 grams of chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake at 180°C for 45 minutes. This bread is moist and flavorful, ideal for a nourishing snack during cold days.