A soft, buttery loaf swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, this Cinnamon Bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as an anytime treat. With its irresistible aroma and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Cinnamon Bread for its versatility and comforting flavors. The bread is soft and buttery, while the sweet cinnamon filling adds the perfect hint of spice. Whether enjoyed plain, toasted, or with a drizzle of glaze, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The recipe is straightforward, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Optional Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Make the Dough:
Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, I use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Assemble the Bread:
Roll the risen dough into a 9×15-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter, leaving a 1-inch border.
Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the short end. Pinch the seam to seal.
Place the rolled dough seam-side down into the prepared loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the Bread:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Glaze:
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Variations
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added texture and flavor.
Raisin Cinnamon Bread: Sprinkle raisins over the filling before rolling up the dough.
Whole Wheat Option: Swap out half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Chocolate Swirl: Mix cocoa powder with sugar for a chocolatey twist on the filling.
Savory Alternative: Use the same dough recipe but swap the filling for garlic, herbs, and cheese.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven until soft and warm.
Related Recipes:
- Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Made with Crescent Rolls
- Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza
- Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
FAQs
How do I know if my dough has risen enough?
I look for the dough to double in size. Gently press a finger into it—if the indentation remains, it’s ready.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic, which takes about 8-10 minutes.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If I don’t have brown sugar, I mix granulated sugar with a bit of molasses for a similar taste.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Make sure the bread cools completely before wrapping or glazing it to avoid trapping steam inside.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the bread is delicious on its own. The glaze is an optional addition for extra sweetness.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Bread is a delightful blend of soft, buttery dough and sweet, spiced filling. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for any time of the day, and the optional glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness. With its warm aroma and comforting flavors, this bread is bound to be a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do.
📖 Recipe:
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Cinnamon Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery Cinnamon Bread swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a comforting anytime treat. Easy-to-make and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Optional Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Roll the risen dough into a 9×15-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log from the short end and pinch the seam to seal.
- Place the log seam-side down in the prepared pan, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.
Notes
For extra flavor, add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling.
Let the bread cool fully before adding glaze to avoid melting.
Use fresh yeast for best results, and ensure milk is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes (+ Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Category: Bread, Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 slices
- Calories: 210 kcal per slice
