Cinnamon swirl bread is a cozy and nostalgic treat that fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Each slice reveals beautiful swirls of spice wrapped inside soft, fluffy bread. Whether you enjoy it toasted with butter, plain with coffee, or turned into French toast, this loaf is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-Purpose Flour – 4 cups
- Granulated Sugar – ¾ cup (reserve 2 tbsp for yeast activation)
- Active Dry Yeast – 2 ¼ tsp
- Milk (warm) – 1 cup
- Butter (melted) – ½ cup
- Egg (room temp.) – 1 large
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Ground Cinnamon – 2 tbsp
- Brown Sugar – ½ cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a bowl, mix warm milk (about 110°F) with 2 tbsp sugar.
- Sprinkle in the yeast, stir gently, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the Dough
- Add melted (cooled) butter and the egg to the yeast mixture.
- Stir in the remaining sugar, flour, and salt.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
4. Shape the Bread
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Pinch the seam and place into a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 45–60 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with butter, cream cheese, or honey.
- Make it extra special by topping with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Use leftovers to create indulgent French toast with crispy edges.
- Wrap as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Storage Tips
- Store bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and sealed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- To enjoy later, thaw overnight at room temperature and reheat briefly in the oven or toaster.
Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using too much flour – measure carefully.
❌ Rushing the rise – let dough double for the best texture.
❌ Cutting bread while hot – wait until it cools fully to avoid gummy slices.
❌ Forgetting to preheat the oven – proper heat ensures even baking.
❌ Using expired yeast or spices – always check freshness.
Pro Tips
- Add raisins, walnuts, or pecans for extra texture in the swirl.
- A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking adds crunch.
- For a sweeter loaf, drizzle with a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk).
- Try different flours (bread flour or whole wheat) for variation.
- For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and vegan butter.
FAQs
How long does Cinnamon Swirl Bread last?
Up to 3 days at room temp, or 2 months in the freezer.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes—use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer.
What should I serve it with?
Butter, cream cheese, honey, or turn it into French toast.
How do I know it’s baked through?
It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Swirl Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s comfort in every slice. By measuring carefully, letting the dough rise properly, and using fresh ingredients, you’ll achieve a fluffy, golden loaf filled with swirls of sweet cinnamon. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven, as French toast, or gifted to loved ones, this bread is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table.
