The holidays have a way of bringing back memories through smells. For me, it’s the buttery aroma of fresh-baked bread wafting through the kitchen — the kind that tells everyone it’s finally Christmas morning. This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread captures that feeling in every bite. It’s soft, lightly sweet, and filled with colorful sprinkles that make it sparkle like the season itself.
I first made this recipe for my kids when they were little. They called it “Santa bread” because of the red and green sprinkles scattered throughout. It’s the kind of loaf that brings joy before you even take a bite. The buttermilk keeps it moist and tender, while a touch of vanilla gives it that bakery-style sweetness. Whether you’re baking it for brunch, gifting it to friends, or serving it beside a cup of cocoa, this bread has all the charm of Christmas wrapped up in one simple recipe.
If you love festive baking, you might also enjoy my Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites or the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Both are easy, make-ahead treats that brighten any dessert table.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture just until smooth.
- Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles without overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle extra sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Start by gathering a few simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, buttermilk, butter, eggs, vanilla, and of course, plenty of colorful holiday sprinkles. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan so the bread slides out easily after baking.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients — buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly combine the two, stirring just until smooth. Gently fold in the sprinkles. Don’t overmix or the colors may bleed. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and sprinkle a few extra on top for a festive touch.
Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. The texture should be soft, buttery, and full of cheerful pops of color. If you love cozy baking like this, you might also like my Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes or Garlic Butter Bread Rolls — they’re savory, comforting, and perfect for the same holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Bread
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is perfect because it’s quick, simple, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like the holidays. You don’t need a mixer, yeast, or hours of prep — just a few pantry staples and a big spoon. The buttermilk gives it that tender crumb that makes each slice melt in your mouth.
Try it warm with a pat of butter or drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness. I sometimes wrap the loaves in parchment paper, tie them with twine, and give them as edible gifts. There’s something extra special about gifting something homemade and heartfelt.
If you’re building a festive spread, this bread pairs beautifully with a cup of Costa Rican Tea or alongside my Pistachio Martini Recipe for a more grown-up gathering.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Use room-temperature ingredients to help the batter come together smoothly. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix one cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes. That little trick works every time. Be gentle when folding in the sprinkles — you want them evenly distributed without melting their color.
You can also switch up the flavors: add orange zest for a citrus twist or a handful of white chocolate chips for richness. For another easy baked treat, check out my Honey Trick Recipe or Honey Memory Trick Recipes; both bring that same sweet homemade warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! It stays soft for up to three days in an airtight container and freezes beautifully for up to two months.
2. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can, but the bread won’t be quite as moist. A quick homemade buttermilk substitute (milk + lemon juice) works perfectly.
3. Can I turn this into muffins?
Absolutely. Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 18–20 minutes instead. They’re great for breakfast or brunch.
4. What kind of sprinkles work best?
Use jimmies (the long, soft kind). Nonpareils tend to melt into the batter and lose their color.
If you’re planning your holiday menu, pair this bread with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls or Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
3 thoughts on “Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread: A Festive Loaf Full of Holiday Cheer”