Christmas Bread Recipe

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

There’s nothing like the smell of something sweet baking in the oven to bring the holidays to life. This Christmas Bread Recipe is my go-to December treat. It’s soft, buttery, and packed with colorful sprinkles that make each slice feel like a gift. Whether you’re making it for friends or slicing it up with hot cocoa, this bread is the kind of recipe that becomes a seasonal tradition.

Inspired by my grandmother’s warm kitchen, this loaf captures everything I love about holiday baking. You don’t need yeast, long proofing times, or special tools. With just pantry staples and a quick vanilla glaze, you’ll have a festive loaf ready for gifting or gathering.

Why This Christmas Bread Recipe Works Every Time

A comforting loaf that feels homemade

The first time I baked this, I had just moved into my own place in Denver. It was December, and the apartment felt quiet. I missed the comfort of my grandmother’s kitchen. So I pulled out butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then tossed in a handful of sprinkles for a bit of cheer. That was the beginning of this Christmas Bread Recipe.

Now, it’s something I make every season. The cinnamon brings warmth. The sour cream adds moisture. The sprinkles create bursts of color in every slice. If you’ve made a simple quick bread or something like this pineapple strawberry pound cake, this will feel familiar and even easier.

It’s festive without extra decorating

This bread looks good right out of the oven. The sprinkles peek through the golden crust. The icing sets into a shiny top that catches the light. You don’t need to pipe, decorate, or fuss with toppings. Just glaze and slice. I’ve given it as gifts or served it alongside holiday sweets like crockpot Christmas crack, and it always gets compliments.

This loaf fits anywhere. Serve it at brunch, wrap it up for friends, or keep it on the counter as a quick snack. If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing holiday bake, this is it.

Next, I’ll walk you through every step to make this recipe from scratch. You’ll see how simple it is to create a soft, cinnamon-scented bread that looks and tastes like the holidays.

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How to Make the Christmas Bread Step-by-Step

Gather your ingredients and prep the pan

This Christmas Bread Recipe is perfect for beginner and seasoned bakers alike. You don’t need a mixer or complicated tools. Just a large bowl, a loaf pan, and a few common ingredients.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment. This helps the bread release cleanly after baking.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients	Wet Ingredients
1¾ cups all-purpose flour	½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon baking powder	1 cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon baking soda	3 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt	½ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon cinnamon	¼ cup whole milk
⅔ cup Christmas sprinkles	2½ teaspoons vanilla extract

For the icing, you’ll need:

• 1¼ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This glaze sets beautifully on the bread and adds that final festive touch.

Mix, bake, and glaze

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix just until combined. Stir in the sour cream and milk. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients. Stir until no streaks remain. Gently fold in the sprinkles. Overmixing can cause the color to bleed, so keep it brief.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check at the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil.

Once a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, remove the bread and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla for the glaze. Pour it over the cooled loaf and spread it gently with a spatula. Add extra sprinkles on top if desired.

If you enjoy easy desserts with impressive results, this moist white chocolate velvet cake is another recipe to keep in your holiday baking lineup.

Serving, Storing, and Gifting This Christmas Bread

Make-ahead tips and storage that works

Once your Christmas Bread Recipe has cooled and the glaze is set, it’s ready to slice and serve. For the cleanest cuts, use a serrated knife and wipe it between slices. The texture is soft but sturdy, which makes it great for platters or gifting.

This bread keeps well at room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it. The crumb stays moist, and the glaze holds its shape without melting or cracking.

You can also freeze it. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in foil, then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. The glaze will stay intact and the flavor remains fresh.

If you enjoy treats that store well for gifting, this Italian lemon cookies recipe offers similar flexibility. Both are simple to pack up and ship or bring along for holiday gatherings.

A perfect edible gift for any occasion

This loaf makes a charming and thoughtful gift. Wrap it in parchment or wax paper, tie it with ribbon or twine, and add a handwritten tag. It travels well and looks festive, even without added decorations.

You can also bake it in mini loaf pans to make multiple smaller gifts. Adjust the baking time to about 30 to 35 minutes and test with a toothpick to be sure they’re done. These smaller versions are ideal for cookie swaps, teacher gifts, or neighbor drop-offs.

Serving it at brunch? Pair it with fruit and something savory to balance the sweetness. A little yogurt or scrambled eggs works well. It also fits beautifully on a dessert table surrounded by cookies, fudge, and other holiday classics.

No matter how you serve or share it, this Christmas Bread Recipe brings a cozy, homemade feel to the season. It’s a versatile treat that always gets a warm response.

Holiday Variations to Try with This Christmas Bread Recipe

Add-ins and swaps to match your mood

One of the best things about this Christmas Bread Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Once you’ve made it once, you can experiment with simple swaps and add-ins based on what you have on hand or who you’re baking for.

If you want more spice, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves. For something a little richer, fold in white chocolate chips or chopped dried cranberries. If you love citrus, try mixing a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the batter for a bright note that pairs perfectly with the glaze.

You can also use flavored extracts. Almond extract adds a bakery-style flavor, while peppermint extract gives it a candy cane twist. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Start with a half teaspoon and adjust from there.

For a nutty option, try folding in chopped pecans or walnuts. They bring crunch and balance to the soft crumb. These kinds of flexible ingredients make this loaf easy to tailor to any holiday gathering.

This bread also works well as part of a larger dessert spread, especially alongside recipes like this peanut butter cookies classic. Both are fast to make, easy to store, and always welcome at parties.

Make it your own with glaze options and toppings

The vanilla glaze is simple and sweet, but you can switch it up depending on your theme. For a snow-dusted look, try a cream cheese glaze and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Want a bolder finish? Add a drop of food coloring to the glaze or use coarse sugar crystals for extra sparkle.

You can also skip the glaze entirely. Dust the top with cinnamon sugar before baking to create a lightly crisp crust. This makes it great for breakfast or coffee breaks.

If you’re baking with kids, let them add their own twist. Set out different toppings like mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, or colored sugar, and let each person decorate a slice or mini loaf. It turns baking into a holiday activity that’s fun and delicious.

This Christmas Bread Recipe is all about joy, color, and comfort. Whether you’re sticking with the original or trying something new, you’ll end up with a loaf that tastes like the best parts of the season.

FAQs

How do I keep the Christmas sprinkles from bleeding into the batter?

To prevent the colors from bleeding, gently fold the sprinkles into the batter at the very end. Avoid overmixing and use high-quality jimmies or confetti-style sprinkles, which hold their color better than nonpareils.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a substitute. It keeps the texture rich and moist while adding a slight tang. Use a 1:1 ratio for swapping.

Can I make this bread ahead of time for gifting?

Absolutely. Bake the bread, let it cool completely, then glaze it and let it set. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment and store it at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I bake this recipe in mini loaf pans?

Yes. This Christmas Bread Recipe can be divided into 3 to 4 mini loaves. Reduce the baking time to about 30–35 minutes and test with a toothpick for doneness.

A Christmas Bread Recipe You’ll Make Every Year

This Christmas Bread Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s simple to make, festive to look at, and easy to share. Whether you keep it classic with cinnamon and sprinkles or add your own twist with glaze flavors or mix-ins, it always delivers warmth and joy in every slice.

Bake it once and it might just become your December go-to. From brunch tables to gift baskets, this cheerful loaf fits anywhere the holidays take you. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home, no matter where or when you serve it.