Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread: A Festive Bake to Brighten Your Holiday Table

There’s something about the holiday season that calls for comfort, warmth, and just a little sparkle. You’re not just baking treats this time of year—you’re creating moments, building memories, and sharing slices of joy. And when it comes to a festive recipe that’s both easy and impressive, Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread hits all the right notes. Moist, buttery, and studded with red and green sprinkles, this cheerful quick bread is just as perfect for a cozy morning breakfast as it is for gifting to friends and neighbors.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or stepping into the kitchen for the first time this season, this recipe brings together simplicity, flavor, and a touch of whimsy. Here’s everything you need to know to make this colorful holiday loaf part of your traditions.

What Makes This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread So Special?

This isn’t just another holiday recipe—it’s your secret weapon for effortless cheer. The moment you pull this loaf out of the oven, golden and flecked with color, you’ll see why it earns a place in every seasonal rotation. Here’s why it works so well:

• Moist, tender texture from the combination of buttermilk and butter
• Simple ingredients and no special equipment needed
• Kid-friendly fun, thanks to the colorful sprinkles
• Versatile enough for brunch, dessert, or a midday treat
• Giftable and festive, wrapped in parchment and tied with a bow

You don’t need fancy techniques or complicated prep—just a few pantry staples and a desire to spread some joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Holiday Magic

Before you get started, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. Here’s your festive ingredient list:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-Ins and Optional Toppings:

• ½ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies style – not nonpareils)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)
• Additional sprinkles for topping

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need any special tools, but having these essentials on hand will make your baking experience smoother:

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick or cake tester

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Now that everything’s ready, let’s walk through the process. This recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together quickly.

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

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

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk.

4. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough.

5. Fold in the Sprinkles

Gently fold in your red and green jimmies. Mix just enough to distribute them evenly—overmixing can cause the colors to bleed.

6. Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and, if desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar and a few extra sprinkles.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick at the 40-minute mark. It’s done when the tester comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

7. Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too soon can cause it to crumble.

Holiday Baking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can trip you up if you’re not careful. Avoid these common issues to keep your bake on track:

• Avoid nonpareils sprinkles—they bleed color and create a muddy look
• Don’t overmix the batter; it leads to a dense texture
• Use parchment to remove the loaf cleanly from the pan
• Cool completely before slicing for best structure and presentation

Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests

One of the best things about this bread is how versatile it is. Here’s how you can serve it:

• With a dusting of powdered sugar or a pat of butter
• As part of a brunch spread with fruit, eggs, and coffee
• Sliced into minis for a holiday dessert tray
• Wrapped in wax paper and tied with ribbon as a heartfelt homemade gift

How to Store Your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

To keep your loaf fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic and store for up to 1 week
• Freezer: Wrap in foil, then place in a zip-top bag; freeze for up to 2 months
• To serve after freezing: Let thaw overnight at room temperature or in the fridge

Fun Variations to Try

Want to change things up or make the recipe your own? Here are a few ideas:

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Conclusion

When the holidays roll around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with everything on your plate. That’s why recipes like Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread matter—they remind you that joy can come from something as simple as mixing, baking, and sharing. This loaf is festive, forgiving, and filled with charm, making it the perfect bake whether you’re preparing for a gathering, wrapping up last-minute gifts, or just taking a quiet moment for yourself.

So go ahead and gather those sprinkles. Preheat your oven, stir with love, and bring a bit of holiday sparkle to your kitchen. And don’t be surprised when your family asks if you’ll be baking it again next year. It’s more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition waiting to happen.

More Tasty Ideas

• Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread: A warmly spiced loaf that’s perfect for the holidays, this pumpkin bread brings the same cozy, festive vibes as Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. The maple glaze adds an elegant sweetness, making it a great option for brunch or gifting.
• Sourdough Pumpkin Apple Bread: Combining the tang of sourdough with sweet pumpkin and apple flavors, this hearty loaf is a seasonal favorite. It offers a slightly rustic texture and deep flavor—ideal for holiday mornings or wrapped up as a thoughtful gift.
• Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread: This dessert-style quick bread is swirled with cinnamon sugar for a classic bakery touch. Like the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, it’s moist, flavorful, and full of holiday spirit—perfect for cozy gatherings and sweet treats.

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Print Recipe

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a moist, buttery quick bread filled with festive red and green sprinkles. It’s simple to make and perfect for holiday brunches, gifting, or a cozy seasonal treat.

• Author: Benchi
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings)
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ½ cup red and green sprinkles

• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional topping)

• Additional sprinkles for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with coarse sugar and additional sprinkles if desired.
7. Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Use jimmies, not nonpareils, to prevent color bleeding.
• Do not overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
• This bread can be turned into muffins; bake for 22 minutes at the same temperature.
• Wrap in wax paper and twine for a gift-ready presentation.