Hey y’all! If you love soft, aromatic breads with a hint of sweetness and gooey cinnamon pockets in every slice, you’re in for a treat. Cinnamon Swirl Bread is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon snacks, or even as a special homemade gift. The magical swirl not only looks beautiful but tastes absolutely delightful—like a warm hug straight from the oven. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Super-soft texture and irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite.
- Easy ingredients and straightforward steps perfect for beginners.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, snacks, or as a sweet dessert toast.
- Makes your kitchen smell like a bakery—pure cinnamon bliss!
- Customizable filling options to match your style or cravings.
Ingredients
- For the Bread:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup (55g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (12g) ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
- Optional Topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing after baking)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, whisk the yeast with warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture.
- Knead by hand or with a stand mixer (dough hook attachment) for 6-8 minutes until the dough is soft, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
Step 3: Shape & Swirl
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 9×15-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the short edge, pinching the seam to seal. Place seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 4: Final Rise
- Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 45-60 minutes, until nearly doubled and puffy.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Brush the top with melted butter for extra shine and softness (optional).
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a softer crust, cover the loaf with a clean towel while cooling.
- Don’t slice too soon—waiting until the loaf is completely cool prevents gummy texture.
- For even swirls, try to roll the dough as tightly as possible without squeezing out the filling.
Variations
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to the cinnamon layer for bursts of sweetness.
- Try a pecan or walnut-studded swirl for a toasty crunch.
- Make it extra decadent with a swirl of brown sugar instead of white sugar.
Required Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer (optional, but helpful)
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper (optional for lining the pan)
Storage Instructions
- Store cooled Cinnamon Swirl Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To thaw, leave at room temperature or toast individual slices straight from the freezer.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Delicious toasted with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit and coffee for a dreamy breakfast.
- Transform leftovers into the best French toast or bread pudding!
Pro Tips
- Let your ingredients come to room temperature for an easy-to-knead dough.
- If you prefer a sweeter loaf, double the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra swirls.
- Lightly tent with foil if the top browns too quickly during baking.
FAQ
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Swap equal amounts, and skip the proofing step—add it directly to your flour.
Why did my swirl separate from the bread?
Rolling too loosely or using too much filling can cause gaps—roll tightly and stick to the recommended filling amount.
Can I make Cinnamon Swirl Bread in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it slow-rise in the fridge, and bake fresh in the morning.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 2-2.5 hours
Bake time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: About 3 hours
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
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2Add in warm milk, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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3Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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4Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
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5Roll up the dough tightly and place in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
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6Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool before slicing.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
210 caloriescal
Protein:
5gg
Fat:
5gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
36gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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