Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Christmas sprinkle buttermilk bread is an absolute delight when you want something festive and simple to bake from scratch. It is soft and buttery, brightened with playful sprinkles, and the perfect centerpiece for a holiday breakfast or any cozy morning at home.

I first baked this with my niece for our December brunch and it turned into a holiday baking tradition everyone looks forward to

Gather Your Ingredients

• All purpose flour: provides structure for the loaf choose unbleached flour for reliable results every time
• Sugar: offers perfect sweetness and gives the bread a soft crumb
• Baking powder and baking soda: deliver a tender rise always double check they are not expired
• Kosher salt: balances flavor without any bitterness
• Buttermilk: brings signature tang and extra moisture shake your buttermilk before pouring
• Large egg: helps bind everything together and creates a rich texture use room temperature for best mixing
• Unsalted butter: adds flavor and richness always use real butter never margarine
• Almond extract: brightens the crumb and gives subtle holiday essence go for pure almond for the cleanest taste
• Sprinkles: lend cheery color and a delicate crunch seek out the longer style “jimmies” so colors do not bleed
• Powdered sugar: is ideal for a smooth glaze sift beforehand for lump free icing
• Buttermilk (for glaze): echoes the bread’s tang while making it silky
• Light corn syrup: creates a pretty glaze that sets perfectly clear and glossy

How to Make It

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

Whisk flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt in a large bowl until well combined and even no streaks of baking soda should be visible

Whisk the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl blend buttermilk egg melted butter and almond extract together until smooth and creamy for even flavor dispersal

Combine and Fold:

Pour the wet mixture into the center of the dry ingredients gently fold using a rubber spatula until most streaks are gone but do not overmix or bread will toughen

Add the Sprinkles:

Scatter sprinkles over the batter and fold just until distributed to keep colors vibrant

Bake the Loaf:

Transfer batter to a parchment lined standard loaf pan spread evenly bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes the top should spring back lightly and a tester comes out clean

Cool Completely:

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack cool thoroughly so the glaze will not melt off

Whisk the Glaze:

Combine powdered sugar buttermilk and corn syrup in a small bowl whisk until smooth and pourable if needed add an extra teaspoon buttermilk at a time

Glaze and Decorate:

Once bread is fully cooled drizzle glaze over the top and scatter more sprinkles for classic holiday sparkle let set 20 minutes before slicing

Almond extract is my secret favorite it perfumes the bread and makes it taste instantly festive I will never forget my mom’s surprise the first time she bit into a warm slice on Christmas morning

Flavor Boosters

Doubles easily for gifting or brunch parties. Try swapping the almond extract for vanilla or orange for a new twist, or use themed sprinkles for any celebration. Top with toasted nuts or cranberries for extra crunch or seasonal flair.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in thick slices with hot coffee or cocoa for a holiday breakfast. Wrap up mini loaves as edible gifts or spread with whipped butter or cream cheese for indulgence. This bread also shines at brunches and cookie swaps.

Creative Twists

The bread welcomes adaptation—use gluten free flour for a denser loaf, switch up your sprinkle colors for different holidays, or replace almond extract with citrus zest or vanilla. For autumn, go rustic with pecans and cranberries.

If you start your morning with this cheerful loaf the smells alone will make your kitchen feel like Christmas. No fancy mixer needed—just hand whisking and a little sprinkle magic.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for a similar tang and texture if buttermilk isn't available.

→ What type of sprinkles work best?

Use brightly colored jimmies or nonpareils as they maintain their color and shape during baking, adding a festive visual appeal.

→ How do I store the bread for freshness?

Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this bread in advance?

Yes, you can bake and glaze the bread one day ahead. The flavors develop further, and the texture remains moist when stored properly.

→ Is there a substitute for almond extract?

If you prefer, replace almond extract with vanilla extract for a classic sweet note in the crumb.