Julekake (Norwegian Christmas Bread)
Holiday & Festive Bread
Traditional Norwegian Christmas bread with cardamom, candied citrus peel, and raisins. A Scandinavian holiday staple.
Prep Time
25 min
Proof Time
2h
Bake Time
35 min
Servings
10
Calories
270
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- 1
Mix Dough
Combine flour, yeast, sugar, spices, salt, warm milk, butter, and eggs. Knead 8–10 minutes.
- 2
Rise
Cover and rise 60–90 minutes until doubled.
- 3
Shape
Shape as directed — rolls, braid, or loaf.
- 4
Second Rise
Cover and rise 25–30 minutes.
- 5
Bake
Brush with egg wash. Bake at 350°F–375°F until golden. Glaze if applicable.
Baker's Notes
“Make the dough the night before for stress-free holiday morning baking. Cold-proof overnight in the fridge, then just shape, proof briefly, and bake.”
— Baker Thomas Moreau
Nutrition Facts
270
cal
6g
Protein
9g
Fat
35g
Carbs
2g
Fiber
231mg
Sodium
Tips & Tricks
- •Make dough the night before for stress-free holiday morning baking.
- •A heavy dusting of powdered sugar or a glaze adds a festive finishing touch.
- •These breads make beautiful edible gifts when wrapped in cellophane.
Reviews (4)
So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already and it's perfect every time.
Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.
Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. The bread was the star of the table — warm, crusty, and absolutely delicious.
Five stars! The crust was perfectly crispy and the crumb was soft and airy. I'll never buy store-bought bread again.
Baker Thomas Moreau
Head Baker & Recipe Developer
Red Seal Certified Baker
