If there is one festive treat that captures the joy and sparkle of the holidays, it has to be the Christmas Sprinkle Bread. This delightful quick bread is bursting with colorful holiday sprinkles swirled throughout its tender crumb, crowned with a smooth vanilla glaze, and topped off with even more sprinkles that make every slice practically sing with celebration. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family brunch or as a cheerful dessert to share with friends, Christmas Sprinkle Bread is guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet holiday memories to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Christmas Sprinkle Bread is all about simple, carefully chosen ingredients that work together to give you that perfect holiday flavor, texture, and festive look. Each component plays a special role, from creating richness and moisture to adding those signature bursts of colorful sprinkles.

Unsalted butter (½ cup softened): Provides creamy richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bread perfectly without overpowering other flavors.
Vanilla extract (2½ teaspoons): Infuses warmth and depth, both in the batter and the glaze.
Large eggs (3): Bind ingredients and add structure for a soft, springy texture.
Sour cream (½ cup): Keeps the bread moist and adds a gentle tang that balances the sweetness.
Whole milk (¼ cup): Enhances the batter’s moisture for a soft, tender bread.
All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): The foundation of the bread, contributing to its structure.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise for a light and fluffy interior.
Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Works with sour cream for leavening and softness.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a cozy holiday spice note that pairs beautifully with vanilla.
Christmas sprinkles (⅔ cup plus more for topping): The star of the show — these bring vibrant color and playful texture throughout the bread.
Powdered sugar (1¼ cups, for icing): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that perfectly coats the bread.
Heavy cream (2 tablespoons, for icing): Gives the glaze its luscious, spreadable texture.

How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray so your Christmas Sprinkle Bread comes out perfectly every time without sticking around for an unwanted hug from your pan.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This crucial step incorporates air for a tender crumb and helps dissolve the sugar, setting the stage for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth bread.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Then stir in the sour cream and milk until the batter is smooth and well combined. The sour cream adds a wonderful moistness and slight tang, giving the bread a sophisticated depth amidst all that holiday sweetness.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures they distribute evenly, especially that festive cinnamon note that adds a cozy hint of holiday cheer.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until you no longer see flour streaks. Be careful not to overmix here—this keeps your bread tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles

Now for the fun part! Carefully fold in the ⅔ cup of Christmas sprinkles, taking care not to overmix so their vibrant colors don’t bleed into the batter. These little bursts of color throughout the bread will be the hallmark of your Christmas Sprinkle Bread, delighting anyone lucky enough to slice a piece.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the surface has turned a beautiful golden hue. Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare and Apply the Glaze

While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Once the bread is completely cool, spread this luscious icing evenly over the top using a rubber spatula. Don’t forget to sprinkle a few extra Christmas sprinkles on top to add that finishing festive flourish!

How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Bread

Garnishes

Beyond the festive sprinkles already luxuriating on top, consider fresh winter berries or a dusting of edible glitter for an added sparkle. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar can also enhance the holiday magic.

Side Dishes

Christmas Sprinkle Bread shines brightly on its own, but pairing it with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or spiced coffee elevates the experience. You can also serve it alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, slice the bread into thick, generous pieces and arrange them like a festive centerpiece. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with a red ribbon makes adorable edible gifts or party favors that spread the joy of Christmas Sprinkle Bread beyond your own table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and glazed, Christmas Sprinkle Bread can be stored wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it covered prevents the glaze from drying out and preserves freshness and flavor.

Freezing

To enjoy this treat later, you can freeze unglazed bread wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before glazing. This method keeps every bite tasting just as delightful as fresh-baked.

Reheating

If you prefer warm slices, gently reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. Just be careful not to melt or smear the sprinkles excessively—warmth enhances the aroma and soft texture, making each bite even more comforting.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sprinkles for Christmas Sprinkle Bread?

Absolutely! While traditional holiday sprinkle mixes with red, green, and white colors work beautifully, feel free to experiment with your favorite sprinkle shapes and colors. Just be mindful that some sprinkles may bleed more than others during baking.

Is there a substitute for sour cream in this recipe?

You can swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for similar moisture and tanginess. These alternatives help keep the bread tender and flavorful without altering the texture significantly.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, with a few substitutions! Use a dairy-free butter alternative and replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt. For the glaze, a plant-based milk or cream substitute works well. The sprinkles are usually safe, but double-check they don’t contain dairy ingredients.

How should I store leftover glazed Christmas Sprinkle Bread?

Leftover glazed bread is best stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. Refrigeration can sometimes dry out quick breads. If you refrigerate it due to warm kitchen conditions, bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

What if my sprinkles bleed and color the batter?

Sprinkles designed for baking typically hold up well, but color bleeding can happen if overmixed or if lower-quality sprinkles are used. Fold them in gently and just until combined to avoid this. Using good-quality holiday sprinkles reduces the chance of stains.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about Christmas Sprinkle Bread—it brings a cheery swirl of colors and sweetness that embodies festive spirit in every bite. Whether you bake it as a cozy family treat or a show-stopping holiday gift, this bread is sure to become a beloved tradition. So, pull out your mixing bowl, gather your sprinkles, and dive into the joyful experience of making Christmas Sprinkle Bread. Happy baking and even happier holidays!