Sprinkle Joy Holiday Bread

Step 4: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
2. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky (but not sticky).
3. Tip: Add a bit of flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much to keep it soft.

Step 5: First Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
2. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Bread

1. Punch down the dough gently to release the air.
2. Shape it into a loaf or braid it for a more festive presentation.
3. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet if braiding.

Step 7: Second Rise

1. Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for 30–45 minutes until it’s puffy and almost doubled.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time.

Step 8: Bake

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. If the top browns too quickly, lightly cover it with foil.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

1. While the bread cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread and immediately sprinkle with additional rainbow sprinkles to create a festive look.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to keep its structure intact.
2. Slice generously and watch the colorful sprinkles brighten every bite!

Tips for the Perfect Sprinkle Joy Holiday Bread

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Sprinkle Type: Use sturdy sprinkles to prevent them from bleeding colors into the dough.
• Make-Ahead Option: This bread can be made a day ahead; just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Customization: Add mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a hint of almond extract for extra holiday flair.

Sprinkle Joy Holiday Bread isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience. With its soft, fluffy texture and vibrant sprinkles, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to every holiday gathering. Whether it’s a cozy morning by the fireplace or a cheerful brunch with friends, this bread embodies the true spirit of the season: sweet, warm, and full of joy.

If you want, I can also create a shortcut version of this recipe for a “no-mess, quick holiday bread” that skips the two rises but still looks festive. It would be perfect if you want instant holiday cheer!

Do you want me to do that?