Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe

This Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread recipe is a chewy and hearty recipe, which is made with sweetened dried cranberries and walnuts. It’s the perfect bread for holiday gatherings, ready in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

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Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Water
• 1 (¼-ounce packet) Rapid Rise Instant Yeast, or 2 ¼ teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
• ¼ cup Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 ½ cups Unbleached All Purpose Flour, reserve ½ cup for mixing
• 1 cup Sweetened Dried Cranberries (Craisins), chopped
• ½ cup Walnuts, chopped

How To Make Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread

1. Activate the Yeast: For Rapid Rise Instant Yeast, heat the water to 120–130°F. For Active Dry Yeast, heat the water to 100–110°F, mix it with the yeast, and let it rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast, water, sugar, salt, olive oil, and 4 cups of the flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add Mix-ins: Add the chopped cranberries and walnuts to the dough and continue mixing until they are well incorporated.
4. Knead the Dough: If kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface and knead for 3–5 minutes. If using a stand mixer, mix on medium speed for 5–6 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Use the reserved ½ cup of flour as needed to prevent sticking.
5. First Proof: Shape the dough into a tight ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 30–45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Loaves: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. You can leave the dough as one large loaf or cut it in half to create two smaller loaves. Reshape the dough into rounds or ovals.
7. Second Proof: Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let it rise again in a warm spot for another 30–45 minutes, until it has doubled in size.
8. Bake the Bread: During the last 15 minutes of proofing, preheat your oven to 375°F. Use a sharp knife or a bread lame to score the top of the dough. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Serve: Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing.

Recipe Tips

• How do I get a chewier, crustier bread? For a chewier texture similar to artisan bread, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of bread flour, which has a higher protein content.
• How do I know my bread is fully baked? The most accurate way to check for doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature of the bread should be around 200°F. The crust should also be a deep golden brown.
• Can I add other flavors? Yes, this bread is a great base for other flavors. A popular addition is the zest of one orange, which you can add to the wet ingredients. It pairs beautifully with the cranberry and walnut.
• Should I soak the cranberries? If you prefer a softer, plumper texture for the cranberries, you can soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drain them thoroughly before adding them to the dough.

What To Serve With Cranberry Walnut Bread

This versatile bread is delicious on its own or served in a variety of ways.

• Toasted with a generous spread of salted butter or cream cheese.
• As the base for a turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich.
• Sliced and served as part of a holiday cheese board.
• Used to make a decadent French toast for breakfast.

How To Store Cranberry Walnut Bread

Store: Store the completely cooled bread in an airtight container or a bread bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Freeze: This bread freezes exceptionally well. You can freeze the entire loaf or individual slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Cranberry Walnut Bread Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 138kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 7g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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