Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe

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If you are looking to add a festive touch to your holiday table, the Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the season with a sweet, colorful twist. This tender, moist bread studded with joyful sprinkles and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze is like a holiday party in every bite. It’s simple enough to whip up even on a busy day, yet impressive enough to make your celebrations truly special. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or enjoying a cozy morning at home, this Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe will fill your kitchen with warmth, happiness, and that unmistakable aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To nail this Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe, you’ll want to gather some classic pantry staples plus a few special touches that make the flavor shine. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that soft, tender crumb and festive flair that’s hard to resist.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds incredible richness and moisture for a velvety texture.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bread while helping it brown beautifully.
• Vanilla extract (2½ teaspoons): Infuses the batter with warm, comforting flavor.
• Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s structure and fluffiness.
• Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tang and moistness, making the bread exceptionally tender.
• Whole milk (¼ cup): Keeps the batter smooth and enhances richness.
• All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): The backbone of this bread, giving it body and softness.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise perfectly for a light crumb.
• Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Supports leavening and softens the crumb texture.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights all the other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and holiday spice.
• Christmas sprinkles (⅔ cup plus extra for topping): Brings sparkling pops of color and fun in every slice.
• Powdered sugar (1¼ cups): For the sweet glaze that finishes the bread flawlessly.
• Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Gives the glaze a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for glaze): Enhances the glaze’s luscious flavor, tying the whole recipe together.

How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. This little step ensures your bread will come out cleanly without sticking and bake evenly for a perfect shape and golden crust.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process aerates the batter, which will give your bread that tender crumb every time.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the eggs and vanilla just until combined to avoid overbeating. Then pour in the sour cream and milk, blending until fully incorporated. These moisture-rich ingredients ensure each bite stays soft and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blend provides structure and a subtle festive spice that rounds out the flavor beautifully.

Step 5: Fold Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients into the wet and stir gently until no flour streaks remain—be careful not to overmix, or the bread could turn tough instead of tender.

Step 6: Incorporate the Sprinkles

Fold in the Christmas sprinkles carefully. The goal is to distribute those colorful bits evenly without causing them to bleed into the batter, maintaining the bread’s festive, vibrant appearance.

Step 7: Bake Your Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is a lovely golden shade. Allow it to cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare and Add the Glaze

While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Spread this over the cooled loaf using a rubber spatula, making sure every inch is covered in glossy sweetness.

Step 9: Final Sprinkle Touch

Top your glazed bread with extra Christmas sprinkles for the ultimate festive look. Let the glaze set before slicing to keep everything neat and beautiful.

How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling extra festive confetti on top after glazing adds a delightful crunch and pops of color, making every slice a visual treat. A dusting of extra cinnamon or edible glitter can elevate the presentation even further, making this bread feel like a holiday celebration right on your plate.

Side Dishes

This Christmas Sprinkle Bread shines brightly on its own but pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese, fruit preserves, or even a cup of hot cocoa or holiday spiced coffee. These side accompaniments enhance its sweet, festive notes and turn your snack into a full cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the loaf thickly and arrange it on a festive platter with fresh holly, pine sprigs, or cinnamon sticks for that extra seasonal touch. You can even cut it into cubes for a fun bread pudding bake or serve alongside whipped mascarpone and berry compote for a decadent holiday dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh for up to three days at room temperature. This also helps preserve the glaze’s shine and the sprinkles’ crunch.

Freezing

You can freeze this Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe confidently by double-wrapping slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave just until heated through to revive that soft crumb and melted glaze feel. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the bread or melt the sprinkles excessively.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sprinkles?

Absolutely! While traditional Christmas sprinkles bring a festive appearance, you can experiment with nonpareils, jimmies, or even edible glitter to add your own special touch. Just be mindful of colors that may bleed into the batter.

What is the best way to avoid the sprinkles bleeding?

Fold the sprinkles into the batter gently and as the very last step before baking. Avoid mixing them too vigorously, which can cause the colors to run and tint the bread unevenly.

Can this bread be made gluten-free?

Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking works well. Just ensure your leavening agents are gluten-free too, and you might need to adjust liquid amounts slightly for best results.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be excellent alternatives, providing similar moisture and tang to keep the bread tender.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?

Definitely! Adjust the baking time accordingly—mini loaves or muffins generally bake more quickly, usually in 20–30 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test doneness with a toothpick.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe that brings joy not only through taste but through the festive spirit it invites into your kitchen. Easy to make and impossible not to love, this recipe is your new holiday go-to for gifting, snacking, or simply treating yourself. So grab your sprinkles, gather your ingredients, and bake a loaf full of cheer—you won’t regret it!

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