This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a soft, tender quick bread with a buttery vanilla flavor and festive pops of red, green, and white sprinkles throughout. Made with buttermilk for extra moisture, it’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, dessert, gifting, or serving with coffee and cocoa. No yeast required—simple, cozy, and cheerful!
Ingredients (Makes 1 loaf)
Dry Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
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1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
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1 large egg (room temperature)
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled
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1½ tsp vanilla extract
Add-Ins
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¾ cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies work best)
Optional Glaze
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or buttermilk
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¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles
Carefully fold in Christmas sprinkles, reserving a tablespoon to sprinkle on top if desired.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle extra sprinkles on top.
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Optional Glaze
Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled bread for a festive finish.
Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Bread
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Use jimmies, not nonpareils—they won’t bleed color.
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Don’t overmix the batter to keep bread tender.
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Tent with foil halfway if the top browns too quickly.
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Room-temperature ingredients help even baking.
Q/A Section
Q1: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake up to 2 days ahead, wrap tightly, and store at room temperature.
Q2: Can I freeze Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
A: Absolutely. Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Q3: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: Make your own by mixing 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes.
Q4: Can I make this into muffins?
A: Yes! Divide batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.
Q5: Why did my sprinkles sink?
A: Toss sprinkles lightly in flour before folding into batter to help suspend them evenly.
