Introduction

Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful treat that combines soft, fluffy homemade bread with a rich, buttery cinnamon sugar swirl. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this aromatic bread is loved by both kids and adults for its sweet, spiced flavor and beautiful swirl pattern.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter.
Step 3: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and sugar.
Step 8: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
Step 9: Starting from one short end, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Step 10: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover it, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Step 11: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 12: Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 13: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.
Step 14: Slice and enjoy the warm, fragrant Cinnamon Swirl Bread.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk for a smoother dough.
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic to develop gluten for good structure.
Roll the dough tightly with the cinnamon sugar filling to create a defined swirl and prevent gaps.
Avoid overbaking by baking until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
Add raisins or chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra texture and flavor.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast bread.
Make it vegan by replacing butter with vegan margarine, milk with almond milk, and eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra warmth.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat by toasting individual slices or warming the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled to make two loaves.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, using bread flour will result in a slightly chewier texture, which some people prefer.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Roll the dough tightly and pinch the seams and ends well to seal in the filling.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 66 reviews

Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a soft and fluffy homemade bread featuring a rich, buttery cinnamon sugar swirl. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this bread offers a warm, spiced aroma and a beautiful spiral pattern that delights both kids and adults.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Activate the yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and softened unsalted butter evenly.
Form the dough: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir and mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten structure.
First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface to prepare for filling.
Prepare cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar uniformly.
Add filling and roll: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Starting at one short end, roll the dough tightly into a log to create the signature swirl.
Second rise: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Bake the bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is fully cooked.
Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and the pan, cool it on a wire rack, then slice and enjoy the warm, fragrant cinnamon swirl bread.

Notes

For extra indulgence, brush melted butter on the bread right after baking.
Reduce the sugar in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a less sweet bread.
Add raisins or chopped nuts into the cinnamon sugar filling to add texture and flavor.

Keywords: Cinnamon Swirl Bread, homemade bread, cinnamon bread, sweet bread, breakfast bread, easy bread recipe, cinnamon sugar bread