Cinnamon Bread Recipe
If you’re searching for a recipe that fills your kitchen with the warm, nostalgic aroma of baking spices, look no further than this Cinnamon Bread. With its soft crumb, beautifully swirled interior, and sweet ribbon of cinnamon sugar, this loaf is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven with a little butter or serving it up for an extra-special breakfast, Cinnamon Bread always hits the spot. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, perfect for both seasoned bakers and weekend beginners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of essential pantry staples, you’ll find every ingredient in this Cinnamon Bread plays an important role. Each one brings its own unique magic—adding to the softness, flavor, and that signature swirl that makes this bread truly unforgettable.
- Active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons or 1 packet): Helps the dough rise and gives the bread its tender, airy texture.
- Warm milk (1 cup, about 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds a subtle richness to the loaf.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the dough just enough to complement the spice.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and provides structure and richness.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Ensures a tender crumb and lovely buttery flavor throughout.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and lifts all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups, plus more as needed): The backbone of the loaf, creating structure without heaviness.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Blends with the cinnamon for that irresistible, caramel-like swirl.
- Ground cinnamon (1½ tablespoons): The star spice, delivering bold, warming flavor in every bite.
- Softened butter (1 tablespoon, for spreading): Helps the cinnamon-sugar layer stick and melt into every swirl.
How to Make Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
Start by pouring your warm milk into a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, then sprinkle the yeast and just a pinch of the granulated sugar on top. Give it a little stir and let it sit for five to ten minutes, watching for bubbles and foam as a sign that the yeast is alive and ready for action. This step lays the foundation for a fluffy Cinnamon Bread.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once your yeast is nice and foamy, add in the rest of the granulated sugar, the egg, melted butter, salt, and 2½ cups of the flour. Mix everything together, then add extra flour a spoonful at a time until you’ve got a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Now’s the time for a good knead—spend 6 to 8 minutes working the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, cozy spot for about an hour until doubled in size. This is when your Cinnamon Bread dough really develops that signature pillowy texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple combination becomes nothing short of magical once it’s tucked into the loaf.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Dough
Punch down your risen dough, releasing excess air, and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle (roughly 9×15 inches), then spread the softened butter right to the edges. Sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top, ensuring every bite will have that beautiful swirl.
Step 6: Roll and Second Rise
Starting with one of the short ends, roll the dough up tightly like a jellyroll, pinching the seam to seal. Place the roll seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, giving the bread one last fluffy boost.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is a rich golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when lightly tapped. Let it cool in the pan for ten minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling before slicing into your Cinnamon Bread masterpiece.
How to Serve Cinnamon Bread
Garnishes
A simple pat of butter or a drizzle of silky glaze (think powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk) takes Cinnamon Bread to the next level. You can also dust the top with extra cinnamon sugar or even a handful of chopped toasted nuts for a bit of crunch.
Side Dishes
This bread shines at breakfast or brunch alongside fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or a fluffy scramble. If you’re serving it in the afternoon, it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a cozy mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For guests, slice Cinnamon Bread thickly and whip up French toast—just soak slices in custard, then cook until golden. Alternatively, cube leftovers to make a decadent bread pudding, or slice and toast for a quick snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any extras tightly in plastic wrap or pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. Your Cinnamon Bread will stay soft and moist for up to three days, making it perfect for lunchboxes or quick snacks.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep your loaf longer, simply slice it and freeze individual pieces in freezer-safe bags. They’ll keep well for up to two months, and can be enjoyed whenever a Cinnamon Bread craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked freshness, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in the toaster. The aroma alone will make it feel like a fresh batch all over again!
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast can be swapped in directly without proofing. Just add it with the dry ingredients, and your Cinnamon Bread will rise beautifully.
What’s the best way to keep the swirl from separating?
Be sure to roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam well before placing it in your pan. This helps lock in that trademark swirl and prevents gaps.
Can I add raisins or nuts to my Cinnamon Bread?
Absolutely—scatter a handful of raisins or chopped pecans/walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough for a bit of extra texture and flavor.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can substitute part of the flour (up to 1 cup) with whole wheat for a heartier loaf, though the texture will be a bit denser. For best results, keep at least half all-purpose flour.
Is this Cinnamon Bread suitable for vegans?
With a few swaps (plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer), you can make a slightly different but equally delicious vegan version of Cinnamon Bread.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Bread enough—it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to share with family, friends, and anyone who loves a treat that feels like a warm hug. Give it a try and watch it disappear slice by slice!
Print
Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Bread. This homemade sweet bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With a delightful cinnamon swirl inside a soft, tender loaf, this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon softened butter (for spreading)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy. Add sugar, egg, melted butter, salt, and 2½ cups of flour. Mix, adding more flour as needed. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out dough, spread with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, roll up, and place in a loaf pan. Let rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- For a sweeter loaf, drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk once cooled.
- You can also add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling before rolling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
