There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen on a chilly December morning. This Cozy Sweet Christmas Bread is everything you love about holiday baking — soft, buttery, and lightly sweet, with a cheerful sprinkle topping that makes every slice feel festive.
It’s the perfect recipe to whip up for Christmas breakfast, give as a baked holiday gift, or serve alongside a warm mug of cocoa. And best of all? It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients — no fancy mixers or tricky steps required.
Recipe Info
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast / Holiday Baking | 10 minutes | 45 minutes | 8–10 slices | ~210 kcal per slice |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or make your own: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- ½ cup melted butter (unsalted or lightly salted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup festive Christmas sprinkles (plus more for topping)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Bring it all together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined — don’t overmix.
- Add the festive touch: Stir in the sprinkles to create those colorful, cheery specks throughout the batter.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle a few extra sprinkles on top, and bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the loaf cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or glaze it with a simple powdered sugar icing for extra holiday flair.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Homemade buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar — let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Don’t overmix: Stir only until the batter comes together; overmixing makes the loaf dense.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Recipe Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 tbsp orange zest for a bright, citrusy note.
- Nutty Holiday Loaf: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Glazed Christmas Bread: Drizzle with a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a bakery-style finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with honey butter or cream cheese spread.
- Enjoy as part of your Christmas breakfast buffet with fruit, yogurt, and coffee.
- Wrap in parchment and tie with ribbon — a charming homemade baked gift for neighbors and friends.
Conclusion
This Cozy Sweet Christmas Bread captures everything we love about the holidays — warmth, color, and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for family brunch or gifting a loaf to someone special, it’s a recipe that brings joy and festive spirit to any kitchen.