Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is festive, sweet, and so impossibly soft, it practically melts in your mouth. The tender crumb comes alive with a gentle zing from buttermilk, and every slice sparkles with pops of colorful sprinkles—making it both a celebration in taste and a showstopper centerpiece. Finished with a glossy glaze and a final shower of nonpareils, this bread is the ultimate holiday treat that will inspire pure joy at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread lies in how a handful of familiar ingredients magically come together to create a loaf that is both cheerful and irresistible. Every element plays a special role, from buttermilk for rich tang and tenderness, to a burst of almond extract and, of course, the confetti of sprinkles for fun and flair!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing just enough structure without being heavy.
- Sugar: Sweetens every bite, balancing the tang of the buttermilk perfectly.
- Baking powder: Lifts the loaf for a lighter, cake-like crumb.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk for even more tenderness and rise.
- Kosher salt: Brings depth and highlights all the lovely flavors.
- Buttermilk: Adds unbeatable moistness and that classic, slightly tart flavor you’ll crave.
- Large egg (lightly beaten): Binds everything together for a perfectly tender slice.
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Gives the loaf its rich, buttery undertone—just make sure it’s cooled so you don’t cook the egg!
- Almond extract: A dash of this turns the flavor from good to unforgettable, with that classic bakery sweetness.
- Sprinkles: Rainbow jimmies work best, threading color and whimsy through every slice.
- Powdered sugar (sifted): The foundation of that dreamy, snowy glaze on top.
- Buttermilk (for glaze): Carries over the tang into the finish for a balanced sweetness.
- Light corn syrup: Ensures the glaze sets up glossy and beautiful, just like bakery breads.
- Nonpareils: For a last, festive flourish—these tiny dots look like holiday magic on top!
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by moving your oven rack to the upper third—this helps ensure the bread browns evenly without overbaking the bottom. Preheat to 350°F, and line a 9×5 inch aluminum loaf pan with parchment. This step may sound simple, but properly prepping your pan makes it so easy to lift the bread free and guarantees those crisp, perfectly defined edges that make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread so visually tempting.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisking does more than blend—think of it as “sifting lite”—eliminating clumps and aerating your mixture so every bite of bread is as soft as possible. These dry ingredients form the sturdy-yet-tender foundation for your loaf.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Grab another bowl for the wet team: beat your egg lightly, then mix in the buttermilk, melted (and cooled) butter, and almond extract. Give the mixture a good whisk so the fat and liquid bond, creating a beautifully smooth base. The almond extract really shines here, sending up irresistible cozy notes the moment it hits the bowl.
Step 4: Bring It Together and Add Sprinkles
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix, just until they come together—don’t overmix, since a few small lumps are totally fine and actually help keep the crumb tender. The real fun starts now: carefully fold in your sprinkles! Using a spatula, fold gently to keep the colors from running. The batter will be thick and full of promise.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven for 45 to 50 minutes. When it’s done, the center will be set and a toothpick will come out clean—or with just a crumb or two clinging. Let the loaf cool in its pan for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is wonderfully dense, so grant it a patient hour or two to cool completely: this makes the glaze set up beautifully.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
Once the bread is cool, it’s time for the final touch! Whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup until smooth, adding a bit more buttermilk if you need to reach a thick, pourable glaze. Spoon or drizzle over the loaf, letting it drip and coat the sides for that extra festive effect. Finish with nonpareils while the glaze is still wet—they’ll sparkle like ornaments on a snowy rooftop!
How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Garnishes
A classic finish for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is an extra tumble of nonpareils right after glazing. If you want to take it even further, try a dusting of edible glitter or a scatter of silver sugar pearls for winter wonderland vibes. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of holly on the serving platter add just the right pop of color against the bread’s sweet white glaze.
Side Dishes
This bread is incredibly versatile and can swing from breakfast to dessert. For brunch, serve thick slices with rich mascarpone or whipped cream and a bowl of fresh berries. If you’re offering it as part of a dessert spread, pair with chocolate-dipped strawberries, spiced hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It also holds its own beside a mug of mulled cider or Christmas tea!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, wrap cooled, glazed slices in parchment and tie with baker’s twine for adorable homemade stocking stuffers. For a party, slice thickly and layer with glaze between each piece for a pull-apart “sandwich” loaf. Or, bake the batter in miniature loaf pans for individual treats—no one can resist their own personal loaf sparkling with sprinkles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread will keep its softness for several days. Store it at room temperature, tightly wrapped in plastic or in a sealed container, to prevent it from drying out. If you live in a particularly humid climate, you can refrigerate it, but let the loaf return to room temperature before serving so the crumb stays silky.
Freezing
This bread is a make-ahead hero! For best results, freeze unglazed slices or the whole loaf, tightly wrapped in plastic and then foil, for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, defrost at room temperature, then glaze and add nonpareils just before serving so everything looks as fresh and vibrant as the day you baked.
Reheating
If you like your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds—the glaze may melt a bit, but the bread will be extra tender. Alternatively, pop slices into a low oven (about 300°F) for five to ten minutes, loosely covered with foil. For ultimate freshness, always glaze after warming!
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond extract?
Absolutely! If almond isn’t your favorite, swap in vanilla extract for a more classic, subtle sweetness. Orange or lemon extract can add a bright, citrusy twist, perfect for holiday mornings.
What type of sprinkles should I use in Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Choose jimmies or rod-shaped sprinkles—they hold their color when baked and won’t melt into the batter. Avoid crystal sugar or nonpareils in the batter, as they dissolve and can tint the bread.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, a good cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend works surprisingly well in Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the structure of wheat flour.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The top will be golden and set, and a toothpick inserted in the center will emerge clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be sure not to overbake; check it starting at 45 minutes for a just-right, soft crumb.
Can I bake this recipe in mini loaf pans or as muffins?
Definitely! The batter divides beautifully into three mini loaf pans or about a dozen standard muffins. Just adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes for muffins or minis, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is pure holiday happiness in every slice, and it’s secretly simple to make—perfect for loved ones of all ages. Whether you serve it warm for breakfast or wrap up a loaf for a friend, it’s sure to add a little more sparkle to the season. Give it a try, and make this delightful bread part of your family’s Christmas tradition!
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Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a festive and delicious treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. The bread is moist and flavorful, with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles that make it a visually appealing addition to any holiday table.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 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 sprinkles
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk (plus more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- Nonpareils
Instructions
- Bread – Move rack to upper third in oven and preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9×5 inch aluminum loaf pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. In a smaller bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, butter, and almond extract. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix just until combined. Fold in sprinkles.
- Transfer batter to loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until center of bread is set. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer bread to a wire rack to cool completely. The buttermilk bread is dense so it will take 1-2 hours to cool completely.
- Glaze – Once bread has cooled completely, prepare glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup. Adjust buttermilk as needed to get a thick pourable consistency. Spoon over bread and top with nonpareils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas, Buttermilk Bread, Holiday Baking, Festive Treat, Sprinkles