Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup milk

⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies recommended)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Extra sprinkles for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or several mini loaf pans if making smaller loaves for gifting.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Alternate adding the dry ingredients with sour cream and milk into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined after each addition.

Step 6: Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to prevent the colors from bleeding.

Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes for one large loaf, or 25–30 minutes for mini loaves. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and top with extra sprinkles.

Tips & Variations

Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture in your bread.

Only use jimmies sprinkles, as nonpareils tend to bleed color during baking.

Make sure the bread is completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.

For gifting, wrap mini loaves in parchment paper and tie with festive twine and a tag.

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if preferred, for a slightly tangier flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

It’s best to use jimmies sprinkles because they hold their color during baking. Nonpareils or other types may bleed and discolor the bread.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.