Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful invitation to bring pure joy and festive cheer into your kitchen this holiday season. Imagine the incredible aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the sweet anticipation of Christmas morning, all wrapped up in a visually stunning loaf that literally sparkles with holiday magic. While traditional buttermilk breads have graced breakfast tables for generations with their tender crumb and rich, comforting flavor, our special rendition elevates this beloved classic to celebratory heights. This is truly a dish that perfectly captures the whimsical spirit of the season, promising to be an instant hit with both young and old, creating cherished memories with every slice.
Why This Festive Loaf Steals Hearts Every Christmas
What makes this particular bread so universally adored during the holidays? For starters, the vibrant, colorful sprinkles effortlessly transform a humble loaf into a festive masterpiece, making it ideal for holiday brunches, thoughtful gift-giving, or simply as a cozy afternoon treat paired with a warm cup of cocoa. The secret lies in the buttermilk, which ensures an incredibly moist, wonderfully tender texture that practically melts in your mouth, while a subtle touch of sweetness makes it delightfully palatable without ever being overly indulgent. It’s the quintessential comforting bake that evokes feelings of warmth and happiness, proving that sometimes, the simplest yet most charming additions can make all the difference. Prepare to fall head over heels for baking and sharing the ultimate Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread!
Ingredients:
- For the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature (if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and filling the rest with whole milk until it reaches 1 cup, let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles)
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (about 90g) festive Christmas sprinkles (ensure they are baking-friendly and non-bleeding if possible, often found in a jimmie or nonpareil blend for best results in baked goods)
- For the Optional Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (start with 2 and add more slowly until desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons additional festive Christmas sprinkles, for decorating
Equipment You’ll Need:
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Small bowl for glaze (if making)
Prepping Your Workspace and Oven:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at a consistent temperature when your beautiful batter is ready, which is crucial for even baking and that perfect rise we all love in a homemade loaf. Make sure the oven rack is in the center position.
- Prepare Your Loaf Pan: We want to make sure our magnificent Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread slides right out of the pan without any fuss. Grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. For an even easier removal and cleanup, I highly recommend lining the bottom and two long sides with a strip of parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This “sling” will be your best friend when it’s time to lift the bread out. Grease any exposed sides of the pan as well, ensuring every inch is prepped.
- Gather and Measure Ingredients: Before we start mixing, take a moment to measure out all your ingredients. This practice, known as “mise en place,” makes the baking process so much smoother and helps prevent any last-minute scrambling. Remember, having your eggs and buttermilk at room temperature is genuinely important; it helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a much more tender and consistent crumb in your finished loaf.
Crafting the Batter for Your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread:
This is where the magic truly begins as we bring together the core components of our delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking dry ingredients together serves a dual purpose: it helps to aerate the flour, making for a lighter crumb, and it ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This step is vital for a consistent rise and flavor in every slice. Make sure there are no lumps of baking powder or soda.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium mixing bowl, gently whisk your two large, room-temperature eggs until they are just combined and slightly frothy. This helps to break down the proteins and integrate them more smoothly into the batter. Next, add the room-temperature buttermilk, the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, and the pure vanilla extract to the eggs. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and uniform in consistency. Ensure your melted butter isn’t too hot, as it could scramble the eggs if added too quickly or at too high a temperature. We want a smooth, creamy mixture here.
- Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Now for the delicate part! Pour the entire wet ingredient mixture into the large bowl containing your dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, begin to fold the ingredients together. The key here is gentle mixing. Mix just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing at all costs! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to a tough, dense bread rather than the wonderfully tender texture we’re aiming for with this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable; in fact, they often indicate you haven’t overmixed.
Incorporating Those Festive Christmas Sprinkles:
Here’s where our Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread truly lives up to its name, getting its signature festive flair!
- Fold in the Christmas Sprinkles: Once your batter is just combined, it’s time for the star of the show! Add ½ cup of your festive Christmas sprinkles directly into the batter. Using your rubber spatula, very gently fold the sprinkles into the batter. You want to distribute them evenly, but again, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing at this stage can not only develop gluten but also cause certain types of sprinkles to bleed their colors into the batter, which, while still delicious, might detract from the vibrant, distinct sprinkle effect we’re hoping for. A quick, light hand is all you need to ensure every slice has a burst of holiday cheer.
Baking Your Beautiful Buttermilk Bread:
The anticipation builds as our Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread transforms in the oven.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Carefully pour the finished batter into your prepared 9×5 inch loaf pan. Use your spatula to spread the batter evenly, making sure it fills the pan from edge to edge. If you like a perfectly smooth top, you can gently tap the pan on your counter a couple of times to release any trapped air bubbles and help the batter settle.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the loaf pan into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 55-65 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so it’s always good to keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking cycle.
- Check for Doneness: You’ll know your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is perfectly baked when the top is beautifully golden brown and springs back lightly when gently touched. For a definitive test, insert a wooden skewer or a toothpick into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached (but no wet batter), your bread is ready! If it comes out with wet batter, return the loaf to the oven for another 5-10 minutes and check again. Don’t rush this step; an underbaked loaf will be gooey in the middle.
- Initial Cooling in Pan: Once baked, carefully remove the loaf pan from the oven. Allow the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes on a wire cooling rack. This crucial step allows the bread to set properly and makes it much easier to remove from the pan without it breaking apart. The edges will pull away from the sides, and the structure will firm up.
- Full Cooling on Rack: After the initial cooling period, use the parchment paper overhang (your handy sling!) to carefully lift the bread out of the pan. Gently peel away the parchment paper. Transfer the warm loaf directly to the wire cooling rack to cool completely. This full cooling process is essential, especially if you plan to glaze it, as glazing a hot loaf will result in the glaze melting and running off. A completely cooled loaf will also slice much more cleanly. Patience here will be rewarded!
Making the Dazzling Glaze (Optional, but Highly Recommended!):
This simple glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish to our festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
- Prepare the Glaze Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Sifting the powdered sugar is a small but important step, as it helps prevent any lumps in your final glaze, ensuring a perfectly smooth and pourable consistency.
- Achieve Desired Consistency: Start by adding 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to the powdered sugar and vanilla mixture. Whisk vigorously until smooth. The goal is a thick but pourable consistency. If the glaze is too thick to drizzle easily, add the remaining milk or cream, ½ teaspoon at a time, whisking well after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to flow slowly when drizzled.
Decorating Your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread:
The final touches make our Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread truly shine!
- Apply the Glaze: Once your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread has cooled completely (and I mean completely!), you can proceed with glazing. Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top of the cooled loaf. You can use a spoon to create an artful drizzle pattern or simply pour it over the top and let it cascade down the sides. The slightly uneven, rustic look of a homemade glaze is part of its charm!
- Add Final Sprinkles: Immediately after applying the glaze (while it’s still wet and sticky!), scatter the additional 2 tablespoons of festive Christmas sprinkles over the top of the glazed loaf. This ensures the sprinkles adhere beautifully to the glaze, creating that truly spectacular and festive visual appeal that makes this bread so special. Let the glaze set for at least 15-30 minutes, or until it’s firm to the touch, before slicing. This allows the glaze to harden and prevents it from smudging when you cut into the loaf.
Serving and Storing Your Festive Treat:
Enjoying your homemade Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is the best part!
- Serving Suggestions: Once the glaze has set, slice your beautiful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread into thick, generous portions. This bread is absolutely delightful on its own, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. You could even serve it alongside a fruit salad for a festive holiday brunch spread. Its vibrant colors make it a fantastic centerpiece on any holiday table.
- Storing Your Buttermilk Bread: To keep your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread fresh and moist, store any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container. If you have glazed the bread, I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between layers if stacking to prevent the glaze from sticking. It will stay wonderfully fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices or the entire loaf (unglazed, then glaze after thawing) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy this cheerful holiday treat again.
Conclusion:
And there you have it, friends! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps to create a truly magical treat, and I genuinely believe this recipe is an absolute gem you simply must add to your baking repertoire. What makes this particular loaf so special, a real standout in a sea of holiday confections? It’s the delightful dance between the subtle tang of buttermilk, which keeps the crumb incredibly tender and moist, and the joyous explosion of colorful sprinkles that instantly brings a smile to anyone’s face. This isn’t just any quick bread; it’s an experience, a little slice of festive cheer that practically bakes itself. The aroma alone, filling your kitchen with hints of vanilla and warming sugar, is enough to lift spirits and get everyone excited for a taste. Its humble origins as a simple loaf belie the incredible impact it has, delivering comfort and celebration in every bite. When I think about quintessential holiday baking that is both impressive and incredibly forgiving, my mind immediately goes to the
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a baking superstar without requiring hours of complex work or esoteric ingredients. The texture is perfectly balanced – not too dense, not too airy, just right – and it holds up beautifully, making it ideal for everything from a leisurely breakfast to an afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, the sheer joy this bread brings, both in its creation and its consumption, is utterly unparalleled.
So, how best to enjoy this magnificent creation? While a slice of your freshly baked
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
still warm from the oven, perhaps with a pat of softened butter, is pure heaven, its versatility truly shines. For a delightful breakfast, imagine it lightly toasted and served alongside a hot cup of coffee or a steaming mug of tea – the perfect way to start a crisp winter morning. It also makes an exceptional mid-afternoon snack, perhaps with a glass of cold milk, bringing a touch of childlike wonder to your day. Don’t underestimate its potential as a simple yet elegant dessert either. A thicker slice, perhaps drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze or even a dollop of whipped cream, transforms it into a light, satisfying sweet ending to any meal. And for those looking to spread a little holiday cheer, this bread is an absolute dream for gifting. Wrapped beautifully in parchment paper and tied with a festive ribbon, it makes a thoughtful, homemade present that speaks volumes. Your friends, family, and neighbors will undoubtedly appreciate the effort and the delicious taste. It’s a gift that says, “I thought of you,” and “enjoy something wonderfully comforting.”
But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe, while perfect as written, is also incredibly forgiving and open to your creative whims. Feel free to play around with the sprinkles; while I adore the classic Christmas mix, you could certainly opt for pastel sprinkles for an Easter theme, or even spooky black and orange ones for Halloween. The base recipe for this incredible bread is a canvas for your imagination. Consider experimenting with different extracts too: a touch of almond extract instead of vanilla can offer a sophisticated twist, or a hint of orange or lemon zest folded into the batter could brighten the flavor profile even further. For an extra layer of decadence, you might want to whip up a quick glaze – a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze, perhaps with a splash of extract, drizzled over the cooled loaf adds both beauty and an extra touch of sweetness. Or, for those who love a bit of texture, a handful of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, could be gently folded into the batter, offering a delightful crunch against the tender crumb. You could even swirl in a tablespoon or two of a fruit preserve for a different kind of marbling effect. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to personalize this festive bread to perfectly suit your taste or the occasion. Every iteration will still hold that signature moistness and tender texture that makes this buttermilk bread so beloved, ensuring that no matter how you tweak it, it remains a delightful treat.
So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into making your very own batch of this delightful creation. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve such a beautiful and delicious result. Don’t let the thought of baking intimidate you; this recipe is designed for success, promising a rewarding experience even for novice bakers. Once you’ve pulled that golden-brown loaf from the oven, inhaled its sweet perfume, and perhaps even snuck a warm, crumbly piece, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please share your baking adventures and any personal twists you added in the comments below. Did you try a different sprinkle mix? A new extract? How did your family and friends react to this festive treat? Your feedback and creative ideas inspire me and our entire baking community. Snap a photo and share it on your favorite social media platforms, tagging me if you can, so I can see your magnificent creations! This
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create joy, share warmth, and make delicious memories during the most wonderful time of the year. Get baking, enjoy every moment, and let’s spread some sprinkle-filled happiness together!
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a delightful, festive loaf that brings joy and cheer to the holiday season. With its tender crumb, moist texture from buttermilk, and vibrant Christmas sprinkles, it’s perfect for holiday brunches, gifts, or a cozy treat. An optional vanilla glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and sparkle.
Ingredients
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-
1 teaspoon kosher salt
-
1 cup buttermilk
-
1 large egg, lightly beaten
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
-
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
-
1/2 cup festive Christmas sprinkles
-
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)
-
3 tablespoons buttermilk, plus more as needed (for glaze)
-
1 tablespoon light corn syrup (for glaze)
-
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for glaze)
-
Nonpareils, for decorating
Instructions
-
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with the oven rack in the center position. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly, then line the bottom and two long sides with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Grease any exposed sides of the pan. -
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly distributed and free of lumps. -
Step 3
In a separate medium mixing bowl, gently whisk the large egg until just combined. Add the room-temperature buttermilk, melted and cooled unsalted butter, and almond extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until thoroughly combined and uniform. -
Step 4
Pour the entire wet ingredient mixture into the large bowl containing your dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together just until no streaks of flour remain, being careful not to overmix. -
Step 5
Add 1/2 cup of festive Christmas sprinkles to the batter. Gently fold the sprinkles into the batter with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to prevent colors from bleeding. -
Step 6
Carefully pour the finished batter into your prepared 9×5 inch loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back lightly when touched. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. -
Step 7
Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the bread out of the pan, gently peel away the parchment, and transfer the loaf directly to the wire rack to cool completely before glazing. -
Step 8
In a small bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon light corn syrup. Add 3 tablespoons of buttermilk and whisk vigorously until smooth. If needed, add more buttermilk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until a thick but pourable consistency is achieved. -
Step 9
Once the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread has cooled completely, drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top. Immediately scatter the Nonpareils over the wet glaze to adhere. Allow the glaze to set for at least 15-30 minutes before slicing and serving. This bread is delightful on its own, with coffee, tea, or milk. -
Step 10
Store any leftover Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If glazed, place parchment paper between layers if stacking. For longer storage, freeze slices or the entire unglazed loaf, wrapped tightly, for up to 2-3 months; thaw at room temperature.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.