Let me tell you, this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something festive yet comforting during the holidays. The buttermilk keeps the bread incredibly tender, while those red and green sprinkles add a cheerful pop of color that instantly lifts your mood. I first made this for a casual holiday brunch, and it was such a hit that now it’s my go-to when I want a quick festive treat without much fuss.

This bread isn’t just cute — it’s super versatile too. Whether you’re bringing it to a cookie exchange, serving it for breakfast with coffee, or just sneaking slices when no one’s watching, it always hits the spot. Plus, letting the vanilla and buttermilk mingle with the sprinkles creates this magical flavor and texture combo that you didn’t know you needed in your life. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe in your holiday recipe rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, perfectly balanced to give you a tender, flavorful bread with just the right hint of sweetness and those colorful sprinkles. When you shop, try to avoid sprinkles with nonpareils since they can melt and bleed color in the bread – jimmies sprinkles work beautifully here.

All-purpose flour: The base for this bread, providing structure without weighing it down.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise nicely for a soft crumb.
Baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk for an extra light texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled to add richness and moisture without greasiness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
Buttermilk: Key to that tender, moist texture and subtle tang — I always use fresh buttermilk for best results.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
Red and green sprinkles (jimmies style): The festive stars of the show that bring color and fun to every slice.
Optional Topping – Coarse sugar: Adds a nice crunch and pretty sparkle on the crust.
Additional sprinkles: For extra festive garnish when serving.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe is — I often tweak it depending on the occasion or mood. Feel free to get creative and personalize it to your taste! Here are a few ways I’ve experimented with it, and I encourage you to make it your own too.

Chocolate Chip Twist: I swapped out half the sprinkles for mini chocolate chips once — the mix of chocolate and sprinkles was a total winner for my kids!
Gluten-Free Version: Using a gluten-free flour blend worked surprisingly well; just be sure to check your blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
Spiced Up: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice brought a cozy warmth that paired perfectly with the festive theme.
Dairy-Free Alternative: For friends who avoid dairy, I’ve used almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar instead of buttermilk — still moist and delicious.

How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures everything’s evenly distributed, which helps your bread rise perfectly and avoids any salty or leavening clumps in one bite. I like to sift the flour mixture for extra lightness, but that’s totally optional.

Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly before stirring in the melted butter, granulated sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Make sure your melted butter isn’t too hot — if it is, give it time to cool so you don’t cook the eggs. This mix should look smooth and glossy when ready.

Step 3: Combining and Adding Sprinkles

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until combined. It’s super important not to overmix here to keep the bread fluffy and tender. Finally, fold in the sprinkles carefully so they’re evenly spread without melting or bleeding color into the batter.

Step 4: Baking Your Bread to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and sprinkle the top with coarse sugar and a few extra sprinkles for that festive sparkle. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bread during the last 10 minutes – if the top is browning too fast, tent it with foil.

Step 5: Cooling and Enjoying

Once baked, let your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling completely before slicing prevents the sprinkles from smudging and the bread from becoming gummy. I find this is key for getting those clean, colorful slices.

How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe

A rectangular loaf cake is sliced into six thick pieces, each slice showing a soft, light yellow crumb with scattered small red and green bits inside. The top of the cake has a white glaze drizzled over it, sprinkled with small red and green round sprinkles evenly spread. The cake sits on a long white rectangular plate placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are blurred Christmas decorations including red baubles, pine cones, and green pine branches with warm yellow lights glowing softly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping slices with a little butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for breakfast. Sometimes, I add a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a sweet treat, especially if serving as a dessert. The extra sprinkles on top add just the right festive look that makes everyone smile.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or your morning coffee. I also like serving it alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait, which balances the sweetness nicely. If you’re serving it at a brunch, some scrambled eggs and bacon complement it perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged slices on a festive platter lined with pine sprigs and surrounded by tiny ornaments—makes for a beautiful centerpiece. You could even cut the bread into mini squares and serve as finger food with small skewers at a party. I’ve wrapped individual slices in wax paper tied with ribbon as cute holiday gifts too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature — it stays fresh and moist for about 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, a cool spot like the fridge works fine too, just let the bread come to room temp before eating to enjoy the best texture.

Freezing

To freeze, I slice the bread first, then separate the slices with parchment paper and store them in a zip-top bag. This way, you can grab just what you need without thawing the whole loaf. It keeps well for up to 2 months in the freezer and still tastes fresh when you defrost.

Reheating

I like popping frozen slices in the toaster or heating them briefly in the oven wrapped in foil at 300°F until warm. This method brings back that freshly baked texture without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the bread gummy.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This helps activate the baking soda and keeps the bread tender.
What type of sprinkles work best?

Jimmies sprinkles are ideal since they don’t melt as easily during baking and keep their shape. Avoid nonpareils because they tend to bleed color and can bleed into the batter, creating a messy appearance.
How can I make this bread more moist?

Ensuring you don’t overmix the batter is key to moist bread. Also, using fresh buttermilk and not overbaking will keep the bread tender. You can add a tablespoon of sour cream for extra moisture if desired.
Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?

Absolutely! Mini loaves and muffins bake faster—usually about 20-25 minutes for muffins. Keep an eye on them and use a toothpick to check for doneness. It’s a great way to make individual servings for parties.
Is this bread good for kids?

Yes! Kids adore this bread thanks to the colorful sprinkles and sweet, soft texture. It’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, snack time, or even packed in school lunches.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it blends the comfort of homemade bread with the fun and joy of the holidays. I’m always amazed at how a few simple ingredients and a rainbow of sprinkles can brighten any holiday table or breakfast moment. If you give it a try, I hope you enjoy the process just as much as the delicious results – this bread really makes festive moments feel extra cozy and cheerful.