There’s nothing better than the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Swirl Bread filling your kitchen. This homemade bread is soft, slightly sweet, and packed with a gorgeous cinnamon-sugar swirl in every slice. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even turning into French toast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Warm and comforting – The cinnamon aroma alone is irresistible.
Soft and fluffy texture – Bakes up tender with just the right amount of sweetness.
Great for any time of day – Enjoy it plain, toasted, or even as a dessert.
Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and enjoy later!

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour
Sugar
Yeast
Milk
Butter
Egg
Cinnamon
Brown sugar

Full list of ingredients and exact measurements are below.

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk and butter together until the butter melts. Mix in sugar and yeast, then let it sit until foamy.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and egg, then mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead and Rise

Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size.

4. Roll and Fill

Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread with melted butter, then sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and brown sugar over the top.

5. Shape and Second Rise

Roll the dough tightly into a log and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool before slicing to keep it from becoming too dense.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use fresh yeast – Ensures a good rise and fluffy texture.
Don’t rush the rise – Allowing enough time helps develop the best flavor.
Brush with butter after baking – Adds shine and extra flavor to the crust.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Swap brown sugar for honey in the filling for a different sweetness.
Use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Drizzle with a simple icing for a sweeter treat.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also great toasted with butter, served with a cup of coffee, or even turned into French toast for a decadent breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to a week to keep fresh longer.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm slices in the toaster or microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.

2. How do I keep the swirl from separating?

Make sure to roll the dough tightly and pinch the seams well before baking.

3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Just mix it directly into the flour without proofing first.

4. Can I make this without eggs?

Yes! Substitute with a flax egg or extra milk for moisture.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful homemade treat that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or transformed into French toast, this soft and cinnamon-packed loaf is sure to become a family favorite!

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

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Indulge in the comforting aroma and taste of homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread. This soft, fluffy loaf features a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack. Enjoy it toasted with a pat of butter or use it to elevate your French toast recipes.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2-3 hours rising time)
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 3.5-4 hours
Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and melted butter. Ensure the mixture is around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add the warm milk and butter mixture, along with the egg, to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Shape the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 8×20-inch (20x50cm) rectangle.
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the short end, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
- Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch (23x13cm) loaf pan.
Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 1 hour, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
Bake the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the risen bread for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Storage: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to a week and warm before serving.
Freezing: This bread freezes well. Slice the loaf, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from frozen.
Variations: For added flavor, incorporate raisins or chopped nuts into the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling the dough.