Italian Christmas Bread with Eggnog Glaze

Rating: 4.78 stars
9 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 8
  • 4 star values: 0
  • 3 star values: 1
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0

My husband fondly recalls the Anise Bread that his Italian grandmother used to make during the holidays. She evidently never had a recipe (and never used a bread machine!) so this is what I came up with for a quick, special Christmas bread. This rich bread has a wonderful aroma while baking.

By Nancy Ann R.

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Recipe Summary

prep:
25 mins
cook:
45 mins
additional:
2 hrs
total:
3 hrs 10 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
1 2-pound loaf
Nutrition Info
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Ingredients

16
Original recipe yields 16 servings
The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified
For the Bread:
For the Glaze:

Directions

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

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  • Spread hazelnuts evenly on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly toasted, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, transfer the nuts to a bowl, and let them cool.

  • Place the eggnog, sugar, salt, butter, egg, egg yolk, bread flour, yeast, anise seed, and cinnamon into the bread machine. Program the machine for a basic cycle with the crust as "medium." Press start. Do not use the delay timer.

  • Place the cooled toasted hazelnuts into the machine between Knead Cycle 1 and Knead Cycle 2. When the baking cycle ends, immediately remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool on a rack.

  • Prepare the glaze by combining the confectioners' sugar and eggnog in a bowl; mix well. It should be a drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze on the cooled bread before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:
195 calories; protein 5.2g; carbohydrates 28g; fat 7.2g; cholesterol 39.3mg; sodium 102.9mg. Full Nutrition
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Reviews (6)

Read More Reviews

Most helpful positive review

Joanie
Rating: 5 stars
12/17/2009
This bread is so delicious and easy to make. I was afraid the with 2 T. of anise seed it would be a bit too much spice but it turned out so good! Read More
Helpful
(21)

Most helpful critical review

Lindamary
Rating: 3 stars
11/06/2011
I made this and it was amazing! A little bit challenging though for a novice baker like myself. Read More
Helpful
(8)
9 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 8
  • 4 star values: 0
  • 3 star values: 1
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0
Reviews:
Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest
Joanie
Rating: 5 stars
12/17/2009
This bread is so delicious and easy to make. I was afraid the with 2 T. of anise seed it would be a bit too much spice but it turned out so good! Read More
Helpful
(21)
Lori M. Vilagos
Rating: 5 stars
12/21/2009
Everyone loved this bread and the glaze was an extra special touch! I loved it warmed with honey butter! Read More
Helpful
(13)
sueb
Rating: 5 stars
12/26/2009
Great taste both of bread and of frosting! The bread texture is smooth even with half of the flour as whole wheat. Great recipe! Read More
Helpful
(10)
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ironchefmels
Rating: 5 stars
12/22/2010
Amazing fresh out of the machine! The Glaze makes it. It didn't mention but I slightly chopped the nuts with their skins on (I had trouble skinning them) all turned out well. Read More
Helpful
(10)
Lindamary
Rating: 3 stars
11/06/2011
I made this and it was amazing! A little bit challenging though for a novice baker like myself. Read More
Helpful
(8)
Remi Randall
Rating: 5 stars
10/20/2014
Great flavor. However I took out the anise seeds and cinnamon as I like neither. But oh so wonderful. And don't forget the amazing eggnog glaze! Read More
Helpful
(2)
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Shawndee Looney
Rating: 5 stars
02/12/2021
Favorite bread!! So good! Read More
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