Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Homemade Cinnamon Bread Recipe: Sweet Comfort in Every Slice

The aroma of homemade cinnamon bread wafts through my kitchen like a warm embrace.

Memories of childhood mornings flood back with each swirl of sweet spice.

Soft, pillowy dough promises comfort in every delicate slice.

Baking this treat connects generations through a simple, love-filled recipe.

Warm kitchen counters become sacred spaces where magic happens between flour and memories.

Mixing ingredients feels like whispering family secrets into a delicious creation.

You’ll want to share this irresistible bread with everyone you know.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience that celebrates simple pleasures.

Why Cinnamon Bread Smells Amazing And Tastes Even Better

  • Savor Easy Homemade Comfort: This cinnamon bread recipe delivers delightful bakery-style results with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
  • Minimize Preparation Hassle: The straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients ensure you can whip up a delicious loaf without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.
  • Transform Ordinary Mornings: Freshly baked cinnamon bread creates an irresistible breakfast or brunch experience, filling your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas that everyone will love.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Moments: Whether serving family, hosting brunch, or gifting a homemade treat, this bread guarantees smiles and requests for seconds with its classic, comforting flavor profile.

Pro Tips For Fluffy, Swirled Cinnamon Bread

  • Master Yeast Activation: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, creating a perfectly frothy mixture for soft, fluffy bread.
  • Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, either by hand or stand mixer, which guarantees a smooth, elastic texture that rises beautifully.
  • Control Browning Brilliance: Shield the bread's top with aluminum foil if it's turning too dark too quickly, maintaining an even golden-brown color.
  • Create Swirl Perfection: Roll the dough tightly when adding cinnamon filling to ensure beautiful, defined swirls throughout each slice.
  • Temperature Timing: Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm spot around 80-85°F to help it double in size and develop rich, complex flavors.

How To Store Cinnamon Bread To Keep It Fresh

  • Preserve your delicious cinnamon bread's freshness by storing it properly.
  • Keep the bread at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate the loaf if you want to extend its shelf life to 5-7 days, but note that refrigeration might slightly dry out the texture.
  • Freeze whole or sliced portions for maximum longevity – wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw frozen bread at room temperature, unwrapped, to prevent condensation from making the crust soggy.

Tasty Toppings And Pairings For Cinnamon Bread

  • Brew the Perfect Morning Companion: Pair this warm, aromatic cinnamon bread with a smooth, rich medium-roast coffee that complements its sweet, spicy notes. The coffee's subtle caramel undertones will dance beautifully with the bread's cinnamon warmth.
  • Create a Creamy Breakfast Delight: Spread a generous layer of whipped cream cheese or butter on a slice, transforming the bread into a luxurious morning treat. The creamy texture provides a delightful contrast to the bread's soft, tender crumb.
  • Indulge in Sweet Beverage Harmony: Sip on a cold glass of vanilla almond milk or a steaming mug of chai tea. These beverages echo the bread's warm spices, creating a comforting flavor symphony that feels like a cozy morning embrace.
  • Elevate with Fruit Accompaniment: Serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of apple compote. The fruit's bright, tangy notes will cut through the bread's sweetness, creating a balanced and refreshing breakfast experience.

Different Ways To Flavor Cinnamon Bread

  • Nutty Swirl Bread: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the cinnamon-sugar layers for added crunch and rich, toasted flavor.
  • Cream Cheese Ribbon: Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese alongside the cinnamon mixture to create a tangy, creamy element within the bread.
  • Chocolate Chip Infusion: Scatter mini chocolate chips across the dough before rolling to introduce sweet chocolate pockets throughout the loaf.
  • Apple Cinnamon Edition: Finely dice fresh apples and mix them with the cinnamon-sugar filling for a fruity, autumnal spin on the classic recipe.

FAQs For Cinnamon Bread Lovers

  • Why does my yeast need to be warm?

Cold or hot water can kill yeast, preventing bread from rising. Warm milk (around 110°F) activates yeast perfectly, helping it grow and create those lovely air pockets in your bread.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything?

For milk, you can use non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. If you’re out of brown sugar, use all white sugar. Just keep the measurement amounts consistent to maintain the recipe’s balance.

  • How do I know my dough is properly kneaded?

A well-kneaded dough becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when gently pressed. It should feel soft and not sticky. Typically, 5-7 minutes of kneading by hand or with a mixer creates the perfect texture.

  • What if my bread doesn't rise correctly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and not expired. Your rising area should be warm (around 80-90°F) without drafts. A slightly warm oven or sunny spot works great for creating the ideal environment for dough to rise successfully.

What You’ll Need For Soft Cinnamon Bread

Main Ingredients:

Flour Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and texture. Choose unbleached flour for better flavor and nutrition.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth. Use fine table salt for even distribution.
Leavening and Moisture:
  • Active Dry Yeast, Granulated Sugar: Work together to help bread rise and develop a soft texture. Fresh yeast ensures proper fermentation.
  • Warm Milk: Activates yeast and adds richness. Whole milk creates a more tender crumb.
  • Egg: Provides structure, moisture, and helps bind ingredients. Room temperature egg blends more easily.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and softness to the bread. Use high-quality butter for best results.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and help with caramelization. Light or dark brown sugar works well.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic flavor. Fresh, high-quality cinnamon makes a significant difference.
  • Softened Butter: Used for spreading in filling, adds extra richness and helps cinnamon sugar adhere.

How To Make Cinnamon Bread From Scratch

Step 1: Awaken The Yeast

Grab a cozy bowl and mix warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let this magical mixture sit and bubble for 5-10 minutes until it becomes super frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create Dough Magic

In a big mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Flour
  • Salt

Add the bubbly yeast mixture, melted butter, and a fresh egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead this doughy delight on a flour-dusted surface for 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and stretchy. Pro tip: A stand mixer with a dough hook works wonderfully too!

Step 3: First Dough Nap

Tuck your dough into a greased bowl, cover with a soft towel, and let it rest in a warm spot. Watch it double in size over 1-1.5 hours – pure kitchen magic!

Step 4: Craft Cinnamon Treasure

Blend together in a small bowl:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Step 5: Shape Delicious Layers

Gently deflate the risen dough and roll it into a rectangular canvas. Spread softened butter across the surface, then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture generously.

Step 6: Roll Into Perfection

Carefully roll the dough from the short end, creating a tight spiral. Pinch the edges to seal. Place this beautiful roll seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.

Step 7: Second Rise Adventure

Cover the pan and let the dough puff up for 30-45 minutes.

Step 8: Prepare Oven Warmth

Heat your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Step 9: Baking Brilliance

Slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. If the top starts browning too quickly, drape some aluminum foil loosely on top.

Step 10: Optional Finishing Touch

While warm, brush the bread with melted butter and dust with extra cinnamon sugar.

Step 11: Serve With Love

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, slice, and savor every delicious bite!

Print
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Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Bread Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm, spicy Cinnamon Bread brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising sweet memories with each slice. Fragrant swirls of cinnamon and delicate crumb invite you to savor a moment of pure, homemade happiness.


Ingredients

Scale

Cinnamon Bread

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

Yeast and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons/11 milliliters) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
  • ⅓ cup (70 grams) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (70 grams) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened

Topping Ingredients (Optional):

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cinnamon sugar

Instructions

  1. Awaken the yeast by whisking it with warm milk and sugar in a compact vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and become effervescent for several minutes.
  2. Merge flour and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Pour in the activated yeast concoction, melted butter, and beaten egg. Integrate ingredients until a cohesive dough emerges. Manipulate the dough on a flour-dusted surface, kneading thoroughly until achieving a silky, resilient consistency.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lubricated container, drape with a pristine cloth, and nestle in a cozy environment. Permit the dough to expand and rise, approximately one hour, until its volume doubles.
  4. Craft the aromatic filling by combining granulated and brown sugars with ground cinnamon in a petite receptacle.
  5. Deflate the risen dough and elongate into a rectangular shape. Lavish the surface with softened butter, then generously disperse the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the entire plane.
  6. Meticulously roll the dough from the shorter edge, creating a compact cylindrical form. Firmly seal the seam and position inside a greased loaf vessel with the sealed side downward.
  7. Drape a lightweight cloth over the pan, allowing the dough to ascend and become puffy for approximately forty-five minutes.
  8. Ignite the oven, calibrating the temperature to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
  9. Slide the loaf into the heated oven. Bake until the exterior transforms into a rich golden hue. Should the surface brown rapidly, shield with aluminum foil.
  10. Optional embellishment involves brushing the warm loaf with liquefied butter and sprinkling additional cinnamon-sugar blend.
  11. Extract the bread, allowing it to rest momentarily in the pan before transitioning to a cooling apparatus. Slice and savor the aromatic creation.

Notes

  • Elevate yeast activation by using fresh, unexpired yeast and ensuring milk temperature is precisely warm (110-115°F) to prevent killing the yeast.
  • Experiment with alternative flours like whole wheat or gluten-free blends for dietary adaptations, keeping in mind slight texture modifications.
  • Create a swirl variation by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or cream cheese filling between cinnamon layers for extra depth and complexity.
  • Prevent dry bread by avoiding over-kneading and measuring ingredients accurately, especially flour, which can dramatically impact moisture content.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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