Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

The holiday season has a way of turning even the busiest of us into part-time bakers, doesn’t it? And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stood in your kitchen—kids tugging at your sleeves, emails piling up, or maybe just craving a little festive comfort—and thought: “I need something Christmassy, quick, and absolutely delicious.”
Enter my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, the star of today’s recipe and our primary keyword. This cheerful loaf is soft, sweet, wonderfully tender, and dotted with red and green sprinkles that feel like edible Christmas lights. In other words… it’s the holiday hug your kitchen has been waiting for.

As someone who’s always believed that cooking should be fun and approachable (yes, even during December chaos!), this bread holds a special place in my heart. It’s the sort of recipe you bake once and suddenly it becomes the thing your family expects every year—right up there with stockings and peppermint cocoa.

So grab those sprinkles, my friend. Let’s make a little Christmas magic together.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

There are countless festive treats out there, but this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread earns its place at the top—especially for busy women who need something comforting, simple, and guaranteed to brighten the day.

Here’s what makes it special:

  • It’s fast. You don’t need a mixer or advanced baking skills—just bowls, sprinkles, and maybe your favorite holiday playlist.
  • It looks gorgeous. Those red and green jimmies bake into the loaf like tiny bursts of holiday cheer.
  • It’s kid-approved. Trust me—my nieces polished off half a loaf before dinner once. (Was I supposed to stop them? Debatable.)
  • It’s perfect for gifting. Wrap it in parchment and a ribbon, and boom—homemade holiday love.

If you’ve ever wished for a festive baked good that doesn’t require a full-day commitment, this is the one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies style; avoid nonpareils—they bleed like a toddler with a marker)

Optional topping:

  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
  • Extra sprinkles for garnish

How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

This recipe is simple enough for a weekday evening yet festive enough for a Christmas brunch spread. Let’s walk through it step-by-step.

1. Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This is your insurance policy against sticking, especially if you’re gifting the loaf and want it to emerge in one beautiful piece.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Set it aside and pretend you’re already halfway done—because truly, you are.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing after each so they get nice and cozy.
Stir in the vanilla and buttermilk, creating a creamy, fragrant base for your bread.

(If your kitchen already smells like Christmas at this point… same.)

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet bowl. Stir gently—not vigorously, not aggressively—just enough to bring everything together.
Overmixing can make your bread tough, and we want a soft, tender Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread that practically melts in your mouth.

5. Fold in the Sprinkles

Here comes the fun part!
Gently fold in your red and green sprinkles. This is where the magic happens… and where restraint matters. Too much mixing and those pretty colors will swirl into a questionable shade of brown. Not very Christmas-y.

6. Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
If you want to add extra sparkle (and really, why not?), sprinkle coarse sugar or a handful of sprinkles over the top.

Bake for 45–55 minutes.
Start checking around the 40-minute mark. The loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—or with just a few tender crumbs.

7. Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice. Serve. Listen to the room go quiet for a moment because everyone is too busy enjoying their bite.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

A few little tips to help you bake like a holiday pro:

  • Use jimmies, not nonpareils. Nonpareils melt instantly and will turn your batter tie-dye style. Cute? Maybe. Ideal? Not for this recipe.
  • Don’t stress over small lumps. When mixing batter, a few lumps are totally fine. Think of them as “character.”
  • Let it cool before slicing. I know, I know. But slicing too soon can make the loaf crumble. Patience leads to prettier slices.
  • Want extra flavor? Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a subtle holiday twist—like sugar cookies in bread form.

A Little Story from My Kitchen to Yours

The first time I baked this bread, I was frantically trying to pull together a festive treat before a family movie night. You know the kind—everyone wants popcorn, hot cocoa, blankets, and something homemade… usually all at the same time.

I tossed sprinkles into a simple buttermilk batter out of sheer desperation, and by some Christmas miracle, this recipe was born. And yes, the loaf vanished before the opening credits even finished rolling.

Ever since, Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread has become the treat my family expects every December. I hope it becomes a tradition in your home too.

Sliced Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread topped with icing and festive red and green sprinkles, displayed on a holiday platter.
Beautiful slices of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, drizzled with icing and loaded with colorful festive sprinkles.

FAQs About Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

You can, but the texture won’t be as tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice—wait 5 minutes and you’re golden.

Can I freeze this bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It freezes well for up to 3 months.

Can I add more than ½ cup of sprinkles?

Yes—but go easy. Too many sprinkles can affect moisture and texture. A little confetti goes a long way.

Why avoid nonpareils?

Because they bleed like crazy. Jimmies keep their color and shape beautifully throughout baking.

Bringing the Magic Home

Every holiday season deserves a little sparkle, and Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread delivers that in the sweetest, simplest way. Whether you’re baking for family, sharing with neighbors, or treating yourself after a long day of wrapping gifts, this festive loaf brings joy with every slice.

So preheat that oven, grab your sprinkles, and let your kitchen smell like pure Christmas magic. I can’t wait for you to try it—and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.

Happy baking, friend.
With love and lots of sprinkles,

More Festive Treats You’ll Love

If you’re already swooning over the cozy magic of this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, you’re going to adore these other holiday-ready recipes. They’re fun, festive, and perfect for adding even more cheer to your celebrations—whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply treating yourself after a long day of wrapping presents.

  • For a crunchy, colorful treat that kids and adults can’t stop nibbling, try these delicious Christmas Pretzel Rods—they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
  • Want a show-stopper dessert that feels straight out of a holiday bakery window? This dreamy Ginger Bread Yule Log Cake brings that warm gingerbread aroma to life in the most beautiful way.
  • If you’re craving something festive but effortless, these creamy No-Bake Christmas Cheesecake Bites are perfect for quick desserts, parties, or last-minute sweet cravings.
  • And for a playful, whimsical treat that makes everyone smile, don’t miss the bright and merry No-Bake Grinch Pie—it’s pure holiday fun in every slice.

Feel free to explore and save your favorites… your holiday recipe collection is about to get very delicious!

Print
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Sliced Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread topped with icing and festive red and green sprinkles, displayed on a holiday platter.

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 55–65 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (approx. 8 servings) 1x

Description

This festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is soft, tender, and bursting with red and green sprinkles for a cheerful holiday treat. Perfect for gifting, brunch, or enjoying with a cozy cup of cocoa.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210g)

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup buttermilk (240ml)

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • ½ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies; avoid nonpareils)

Optional topping:

  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar

  • Extra sprinkles for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a 9×5 loaf pan.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth.

  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in vanilla and buttermilk.

  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—avoid overmixing.

  6. Gently fold in red and green sprinkles.

  7. Pour batter into the loaf pan, smoothing the top. Add coarse sugar or extra sprinkles if desired.

  8. Bake 45–55 minutes, checking around 40 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.

  9. Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use jimmies, not nonpareils, to prevent color bleeding.
Let the loaf cool completely for clean slices.
Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a sugar-cookie flavor twist.
Freezes well for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Holiday Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 330 Kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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