Christmas Bread Recipe

Christmas is the season of joy, family gatherings, and of course, food. And what better way to celebrate the holidays than by baking a sweet, festive bread that captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite?

The Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a perfect addition to your holiday table. It’s soft, moist, and packed with a hint of sweetness, topped with a colorful sprinkle of holiday cheer. Whether you’re serving it at breakfast, brunch, or as a treat to share with friends and family, this bread will surely become a holiday favorite.

This recipe combines the tangy richness of buttermilk with a light, fluffy texture, and the sweetness of sugar and vanilla. Add in the vibrant sprinkles, and you’ve got a festive loaf that’s perfect for the holidays. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that doesn’t require any complicated ingredients or techniques, making it ideal for even the busiest bakers during the holiday season.

The Magic of Buttermilk in Baking

Buttermilk is an essential ingredient in many baked goods, and it plays a crucial role in creating a tender, moist texture in cakes, muffins, and breads. Its tangy flavor adds depth to the sweetness of the bread, balancing the richness of the sugar and vanilla. Buttermilk also reacts with baking soda, which helps the bread rise beautifully while contributing to its soft crumb.

In addition to the traditional use of buttermilk in baking, the tanginess and moisture it adds make it a perfect base for a holiday treat. The combination of buttermilk with festive ingredients makes this bread uniquely suited for the Christmas season. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy with a hot cup of cocoa or a warm holiday beverage.

How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Making this bread is simple and straightforward, and it doesn’t take long to prepare. Here’s how to bring this festive treat to life:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Before you start mixing the ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal once the bread is baked. This ensures your bread comes out perfectly and prevents any sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until creamy and well-combined. This process helps to create a fluffy texture in the bread. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together and create a rich, tender crumb.

Once the eggs are fully incorporated, add the buttermilk and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir gently until the ingredients are well combined. The buttermilk will add moisture and a touch of tang, while the vanilla adds warmth to the bread’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients first ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing any lumps in the batter.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread. Stir just until the flour is incorporated into the batter. The result should be a thick, smooth batter that holds its shape when spooned into the loaf pan.

Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, making sure it reaches the edges of the pan. Smooth the top of the batter to ensure even baking.

Step 6: Add the Holiday Sprinkles

Before baking, sprinkle a generous amount of colorful holiday sprinkles or nonpareils on top of the batter. These sprinkles will bake into the bread, adding a festive touch that’s perfect for Christmas. They’ll create a cheerful, colorful topping that makes the bread look as delightful as it tastes.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top, and the edges will slightly pull away from the sides of the pan. The sprinkles may melt slightly during baking, but they’ll still maintain their festive color.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the bread to firm up and makes it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

This bread is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with a few serving ideas:

• Serve with Butter or Jam: A slice of this bread spread with butter or your favorite holiday jam makes for a simple yet decadent treat.
• Top with Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the top of the bread with powdered sugar before serving.
• Pair with Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Enjoy this festive bread with a warm cup of coffee, cocoa, or tea for the ultimate holiday breakfast or snack.
• Serve with Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or citrus slices can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bread.

Why This Christmas Bread is Perfect for the Holidays

What makes this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread so special? It’s not just the festive sprinkles, but the combination of flavors and textures that make it the perfect holiday treat. The bread is soft and tender, with a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tanginess of the buttermilk. The sprinkles give it a fun, colorful twist, making it a delightful addition to any holiday table.

But beyond its delicious taste and festive appearance, this bread is also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this bread in no time, making it a great option for busy holiday bakers. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas breakfast treat or a festive snack to share with family and friends, this bread has you covered.

Conclusion

The Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a delicious, festive, and easy-to-make holiday treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its tender crumb, sweet flavor, and vibrant sprinkles make it a standout at any Christmas breakfast, brunch, or holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking it for your own family or sharing it with friends, this bread is sure to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories.

So this Christmas, add a little sprinkle of joy to your table with this delightful bread—it’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk. For an added tang, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

2. Can I add other toppings or mix-ins to the bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to the batter for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version of the bread. Just keep in mind that the texture may be a bit denser.

5. How long does this bread last?
This bread will stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Yield: 1

Christmas Bread Recipe

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Christmas is the season of joy, family gatherings, and of course, food. And what better way to celebrate the holidays than by baking a sweet, festive bread that captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite? The Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a perfect addition to your holiday table. It's soft, moist, and packed with a hint of sweetness, topped with a colorful sprinkle of holiday cheer. Whether you're serving it at breakfast, brunch, or as a treat to share with friends and family, this bread will surely become a holiday favorite.

Prep Time 1 hour

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots (or raisins)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup candied ginger (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey (for glazing)
• 1 tablespoon water (for glazing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Stir until evenly mixed.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it is smooth and elastic.

2. Knead the Dough

1. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Add the dried cranberries, dried apricots, and nuts (if using) into the dough, kneading until they are evenly distributed.

3. First Proofing

1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Bread

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
2. Shape the dough into a loaf by rolling it out into a rectangle and then folding the sides in before rolling it tightly into a cylinder. Pinch the ends to seal.
3. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.

5. Second Proofing

1. Cover the loaf pan with the towel again and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up and risen slightly above the edge of the pan.

6. Bake the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
3. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the bread loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

7. Glaze the Bread

1. While the bread is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the honey and water in a small saucepan over low heat until the honey has dissolved.
2. Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the glaze over the top of the hot bread to give it a beautiful shine and a touch of sweetness.

8. Cool and Serve

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and serve!

Tips and Variations

• Add-ins: Feel free to customize your Christmas bread with other dried fruits such as raisins, currants, or chopped dates. You can also use different nuts such as almonds or pistachios.
• Make it a Sweet Bread: For an even sweeter version, you can add a bit of orange zest to the dough or top the bread with a simple powdered sugar glaze after baking.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed eggs and use dairy-free butter and milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Notes

• Serve this Christmas bread with a dollop of butter, jam, or cream cheese for a delicious breakfast or snack.
• This bread also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for holiday brunches or afternoon treats.
• Gift the bread to loved ones wrapped in parchment paper or placed in a festive box for a thoughtful homemade present.