Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for a sweet, charming way to bring holiday cheer to your kitchen, the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe is exactly the festive treat you need. This moist, tender bread studded with colorful red and green sprinkles is like a celebration baked into every slice. Beyond just its delightful look, this recipe balances the richness of buttermilk with the gentle sweetness of sugar and vanilla, creating a comforting holiday staple that will instantly become a favorite for family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each one plays an essential role: the flour and leavening agents create that perfect crumb, while the butter and buttermilk ensure an irresistibly moist texture. The sprinkles add a joyful pop of color, bringing festive vibes with every bite.

• All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): Provides the structure and foundation of the bread’s tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise to a fluffy, light perfection.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with the buttermilk to achieve a soft, airy texture.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Adds rich flavor and moisture without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bread while contributing to a tender crumb.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and boost the bread’s structure.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Infuses a slight tang and helps keep the bread wonderfully moist.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• Red and green sprinkles (½ cup): The festive stars of the show, bursting with holiday color and fun.
• Optional coarse sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a delightful crunchy topping if desired.
• Additional sprinkles for garnish: Perfect for extra sparkle when serving.

How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Before diving into the batter, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows it to reach the perfect temperature by the time you’re ready to bake. Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these together evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour, which guarantees consistent rising and flavor throughout the bread.

Step 3: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, blend the melted butter and sugar first until smooth to create a creamy base. Then add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk last — the buttermilk not only adds moisture but reacts with the baking soda for that tender crumb you love.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, But Don’t Overmix

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually and gently fold until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here as overworking the batter can make the bread dense and tough. A few lumps are perfectly fine—it’s all part of keeping it light and fluffy!

Step 5: Fold in the Festive Sprinkles

Gently fold in the red and green jimmies-style sprinkles. These add bursts of holiday cheer throughout the loaf. Be careful not to overmix or the color may bleed and the sprinkles might lose their joyful texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or extra sprinkles if you want that beautiful sugary crunch or added sparkle. Bake 45 to 55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures clean slices without crumbling.

How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or an extra handful of sprinkles on top can instantly elevate the presentation of this bread, making it perfect for holiday brunches or dessert tables. A dab of melted butter or a smear of cream cheese frosting also melds beautifully with the bread’s flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside holiday favorites such as spiced cider, hot chocolate, or even a cup of your favorite morning coffee. For a savory twist, pair it with a mild cheese plate or slices of prosciutto for a delightful sweet-and-savory snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap the cooled loaf in wax paper tied with festive twine for a charming gift that looks as delicious as it tastes. You can also cut it into thick slices and toast them lightly, adding a bit of cinnamon butter for a cozy winter treat. For parties, try turning the batter into muffins—baked for just 18 to 22 minutes—to serve individual portions that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to three days, making it a convenient treat to enjoy well after the baking day.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Wrap the bread or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen bread lasts for up to 3 months without losing its delightful texture or flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge again.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, simply toast slices lightly or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread gummy or dry. A gentle reheating preserves the tender crumb and lets those festive sprinkles sparkle once again.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this recipe?

While regular milk can be substituted, the tangy flavor and tender crumb you get from buttermilk are key to this recipe’s charm. If using regular milk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to sour it slightly, making it closer to the original buttermilk effect.

Why should I use jimmies instead of nonpareils for the sprinkles?

Using jimmies sprinkles avoids color bleeding, which can make your bread look less appealing. Nonpareils tend to melt and create rainbow patches rather than distinct festive red and green specks, so jimmies keep the look bright and cheerful.

Can I make this recipe into muffins or mini loaves?

Absolutely! The recipe adapts beautifully into muffins — bake at the same temperature for about 18 to 22 minutes. Mini loaves are also great for gifting or party servings; just adjust baking times accordingly.

Is it better to melt the butter or use it softened?

Melted butter blends smoothly with the sugar and helps keep the bread moist and tender. Softened butter could work but may change the texture slightly, so melting is preferred for this recipe.

How long will the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for about three days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet without sacrificing texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe is truly a festive delight that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. From the moist crumb to the cheerful sprinkles, it’s a recipe that brings joy to your holiday gatherings and warm moments with loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a beloved tradition you’ll look forward to year after year—so grab those sprinkles and get baking!

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