Name: Cinnamon Swirl Bread: The Ultimate Sweet Comfort
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 cup whole milk, warmed; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (for brushing the top); 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

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There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon bread wafting through the house. This Cinnamon Swirl Bread is soft, fluffy, and loaded with sweet cinnamon sugar swirls that melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a sweet breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a homemade gift for someone special, this bread is bound to impress. It’s like having cinnamon rolls in loaf form—delicious, comforting, and easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread has everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll—soft, warm dough, the perfect amount of cinnamon-sugar swirl, and that lovely golden-brown crust—but in a much simpler, fuss-free loaf form. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, and the texture is so light and fluffy that you’ll be savoring every slice. Plus, it’s so easy to make! No need to roll dough into individual rolls—just swirl the cinnamon mixture right into the loaf. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple yet so rewarding.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make this bread (you’ll find the full ingredient list below):

All-purpose flour (for the soft, fluffy bread)
Active dry yeast (to help the bread rise)
Milk (for richness)
Butter (for a soft, tender crumb)
Eggs (for structure)
Sugar (both for the dough and the cinnamon swirl)
Cinnamon (of course, to give it that warm, spiced flavor)
Salt (to balance the sweetness)
A bit of vanilla extract (to enhance the flavor)

For the full list of ingredients, check out the detailed recipe below!

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, warm your milk until it’s just lukewarm—about 110°F (43°C). Add a teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle in the active dry yeast. Stir it together and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients, followed by the melted butter and one egg. Mix everything together until it forms a sticky dough. Then, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is the fun part where you get to watch your dough come to life!

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

While your dough is rising, mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. This will create that heavenly cinnamon swirl inside the bread. You’ll want to have this ready so you can easily assemble the loaf once the dough has risen.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 9×12 inches in size. Brush the dough with a bit of melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.

Step 6: Roll and Place in the Pan

Carefully roll the dough up from the long side, making sure it’s tight but not too tight. Once it’s rolled, pinch the seams together to seal it. Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, tucking the ends underneath. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you want to ensure the bread is cooked all the way through, you can use a thermometer—it should read about 190°F (88°C) in the center of the loaf.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it once it’s cool enough to handle. But let’s be honest—you’ll probably want to sneak a warm slice while it’s still fresh from the oven!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t skip the second rise—it’s essential for getting that soft, fluffy texture. Let the dough rise until it’s almost doubled again.
If your dough is too sticky: Don’t be afraid to add a bit more flour, but try to avoid adding too much at once. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not super sticky.
For a golden crust: Brush the top of the dough with a little egg wash (one egg whisked with a tablespoon of water) before baking.
Make sure your yeast is fresh: If you’re unsure, you can always test the yeast by letting it sit in warm water with sugar to see if it bubbles and froths.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add nuts or raisins: If you like a little extra texture, try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the cinnamon swirl filling.
Make it dairy-free: Use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and replace the butter with a dairy-free substitute.
Add a glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top of the cooled bread.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or butter for an extra indulgent treat. It’s also great for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack during the day. For a more filling breakfast, try serving it alongside fresh fruit and scrambled eggs.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Cinnamon Swirl Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices of the bread for up to 2 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast it for a crispy, warm treat.

4 FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking the next day.
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe? Yes! You can use your bread machine to knead the dough. Follow your machine’s instructions for yeast dough, then proceed with shaping and baking the bread.
Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Just be sure to use two loaf pans if doubling the recipe. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if you make a larger batch.
Can I add more cinnamon to the swirl? Yes! If you love a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon in the swirl mixture to your liking.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and soft—ideal for breakfast, a snack, or just to satisfy your cinnamon cravings. The rich, buttery dough and the sweet cinnamon swirl make this bread a true comfort food. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake up this mouthwatering loaf that’s bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Swirl Bread: The Ultimate Sweet Comfort

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 25 minutes (not including rising time)
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8-10 slices) 1x
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Method: Baked, Yeast Bread
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread is soft, fluffy, and full of warm, comforting cinnamon flavor. With a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl running through the middle and a tender crumb, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The combination of buttery dough and sweet cinnamon makes it a family favorite that’s sure to be devoured quickly.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
Let the Dough Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
Shape the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 9 x 12 inches.
Add the Cinnamon Swirl: Brush the rolled dough with the melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
Place in a Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and place the rolled dough into the pan. Cover the pan with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the top of the pan.
Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Bread: Once the dough has risen, brush the top of the loaf with a bit of heavy cream or milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

If you want an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
This bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It also freezes well—just slice before freezing for easy grab-and-go portions.
To make this recipe ahead, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and bake it the next day.