Holiday Bread Winners

Mini Pumpkin Spice Loaves

Perfect for gift giving, these mini loaves have just the right balance of holiday spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Top the loaves with cream cheese icing before giving or wrap un-iced loaves individually and present with a small jar of icing.

Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Spice Loaves

Cranberry-Orange Bread with Grand Marnier Glaze

Forget French pastry. This sweet holiday tea bread, topped with a Grand Marnier glaze and laced with cranberries, orange zest, and butter, is major league amazing. Even better, it's make-ahead friendly and freezes perfectly. Bake two large loaves or six small ones.

Recipe: Cranberry-Orange Bread with Grand Marnier Glaze

Mini Cranberry Panettones

This version of the sweet Italian yeast bread called panettone is made in muffin tins to streamline the baking process. Tuck these little cranberry-studded gems into holiday decorated plastic bags or colorful Chinese take-out cartons and give to neighbors, teachers, or friends.

Recipe: Mini Cranberry Panettones

Freezer Cinnamon-Fruit Rolls

Gooey cinnamon rolls are tricked out with an extra special filling of toasted pecans, cinnamon, and dried fruit. But their best feature: the rolls go from freezer to oven in just 30 minutes. Perfect for make-ahead holiday breakfasts or gift giving.

Recipe: Freezer Cinnamon-Fruit Rolls

Southern Soda Bread

This hearty bread is simple and quick to make so prepare extra and share with friends. Present each loaf by wrapping in plastic wrap and then in a festive kitchen towel. Tie with colorful ribbon or raffia then round out the gift by adding a jar of sweet preserves.

Recipe: Southern Soda Bread

Pecan-Topped Pumpkin Bread

So don't expect any leftovers with this easy holiday tea bread made with canned pumpkin. Wrap it first in plastic, then orange tissue, and tie with a chocolate colored ribbon.

Recipe: Pecan-Topped Pumpkin Bread

Potato-Sour Cream Biscuits

Line a pretty basket with decorative linens then pile high with these tender and flaky biscuits. Gather the linen at the top and tie with a festive bow before presenting to neighbors or friends.

Recipe: Potato-Sour Cream Biscuits

Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Glaze

Take a walk on the tropical side for the holidays with this oh, so good banana bread. Laced with dark rum and coconut, it's crowned with a tart lime glaze. Gift wrap with a funky holiday kitchen towel and tie with red string licorice.

Recipe: Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Glaze

Sugar-Frosted Cardamom Braid

Like yeast breads in Scandinavia, this beautiful braided loaf is scented with spicy-sweet cardamom, an aromatic spice used in baked goods and curries. A little lemon zest adds more lush flavor, and then the sweet, easy-to-make bread is frosted with sugar.

Recipe: Sugar-Frosted Cardamom Braid

Mini Fruit and Sunflower Loaves

Sneak these cute little fruit and sunflower seed loaves onto co-workers' desks for a holiday surprise. With a scoop of cornmeal and a splash of maple syrup, they're a sweet-savory combination that's bound to win over even picky eaters.

Recipe: Mini Fruit and Sunflower Loaves

Golden Pumpkin-Walnut Loaf

Sugar and spice and everything nice come together in this simple but unusual pumpkin-walnut tea loaf. Spices include cardamom, ginger, and mace instead of the usual cinnamon, so make it for friends and family that like a taste of adventure with their holiday flavor.

Recipe: Golden Pumpkin-Walnut Loaf

Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins

Always a hit at holiday brunch, these moist pumpkin muffins are studded with dried cranberries for a sweet and tangy flavor. For gift giving, line a holiday craft box with parchment. Add a bundle of plastic-wrapped muffins; tie shut with raffia and close the box.

Recipe: Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins

More Food Gifts

If you love to share homemade gifts from the heart (and oven), try these gift ideas.

• Holiday Jams, Spread, and Sauces
• Gifts from the Oven
• Shop for the Cook on Your List
• Give the Gift of Candy
• Cookbooks for Giving
• Food Gifts Under $3