Festive Christmas Bread with Sprinkles Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday treat that’s as joyful to look at as it is delicious, you’re going to adore this Festive Christmas Bread with Sprinkles Recipe. I absolutely love how the colorful sprinkles swirl through the tender, cinnamon-infused bread, making every slice feel like a little celebration. It’s one of those recipes that’s just fun to bake and even more fun to share — trust me, once you start, you’ll want to make it every December!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here combine into a cozy, subtly spiced bread that’s the perfect canvas for colorful sprinkles. I suggest using quality butter and fresh eggs – you’ll really notice the difference in flavor and texture. Also, grab a good variety of festive sprinkles that hold up well in baking so you get those cheerful bursts without too much bleeding.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temp; this helps create a light, fluffy batter.
• Granulated Sugar: Classic sweetness that balances the cinnamon.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth – don’t skip it!
• Large Eggs: They bind everything together and give structure.
• Sour Cream: Keeps the bread moist and tender, plus a slight tang for balance.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness without heaviness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread’s soft texture.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both help the bread rise perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: The festive spice that makes this bread smell like Christmas.
• Christmas Sprinkles: The star of the show! Choose sturdy, colorful sprinkles that won’t bleed too much.
• Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream & Vanilla (for Icing): To glaze the bread with a smooth, sweet finish that’s just perfect for the season.

Variations

I like to mix things up with this Festive Christmas Bread with Sprinkles Recipe depending on who I’m baking for or what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it your own — that’s the magic of baking!

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and it still turns out wonderfully moist and tender.
• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives a lovely crunch that my family goes crazy for.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of whole milk and sour cream for a dairy-free delight.
• Sprinkles Swap: If you’re out of Christmas sprinkles, I’ve used chopped dried fruit or mini chocolate chips with great results.

How to Make Festive Christmas Bread with Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cream the Butter & Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray. Then, in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy — this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. I learned early on that properly creaming the butter and sugar really affects the bread’s texture, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Mix in the Eggs, Vanilla, Sour Cream & Milk

Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding the vanilla extract along with the last egg. Then fold in the sour cream and milk until everything is well combined. You’ll notice the batter develops a lovely creamy consistency — that’s the secret to super moist bread.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed for consistent rising and adds that signature festive warmth with the cinnamon.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures Gently

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here or your bread might turn out dense. You want to see no streaks of flour, but a light hand is key.

Step 5: Fold in the Festive Sprinkles

This is my favorite part! Gently fold in about two-thirds of the Christmas sprinkles. Be very careful not to over-stir because the colors can bleed into the batter, and you’ll lose that pretty speckled effect. I discovered that folding by hand with a spatula works best.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes — but start checking at 60 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top starts browning too fast, tent the loaf with foil. Once out of the oven, cool the bread in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

Step 7: Whip Up the Icing and Finish

While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Spread it over the cooled bread and sprinkle the remaining sprinkles on top for that extra festive sparkle. Let the icing set a bit, then slice and enjoy!

How to Serve Festive Christmas Bread with Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with extra sprinkles sprinkled over the icing, but sometimes I add a small dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll drizzle a little melted white chocolate on top — it melts into the icing for a dreamy finish.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled cider. For brunch, I like serving it alongside creamy scrambled eggs and fresh fruit — the bread’s sweetness balances savory dishes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve wrapped slices in parchment paper tied with twine and a small sprig of rosemary for a rustic, festive look. Another fun idea I learned is slicing the bread and stacking it on a holiday platter surrounded by mini ornaments — it makes an eye-catching centerpiece that guests can nibble on throughout the party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature — it stays fresh for about 3 days. I personally find that keeping it away from the fridge helps maintain moisture and prevents the sprinkles from losing their charm.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! I slice it first, then layer pieces between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, just thaw slices at room temperature or pop them in the toaster for a quick warm treat.

Reheating

To reheat, I like using a toaster oven or warming slices in a regular oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes — it refreshes the bread’s softness without melting the glaze too much. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Festive Christmas Bread with Sprinkles Recipe has become a beloved tradition in my kitchen — it’s simple, joyful, and always brings smiles to the table. I love that it looks festive without the fuss, and the tender, cinnamon-kissed crumb is just irresistible. I’m so excited for you to try it too, and I’m betting it’ll find a special place in your holiday baking lineup — just like it did in mine!

Print