Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting treat that makes your kitchen smell like pure heaven, this Cinnamon Swirl Bread is it! With its pillowy soft crumb, golden crust, and hypnotic ribbons of cinnamon running through every slice, this loaf is a pure celebration of sweet simplicity — and it’s genuinely easy to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Surprisingly, you probably have everything you need for homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread right in your kitchen! Each ingredient brings a special something: softness, flavor, structure, or that signature swirl everyone loves.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, giving it body and a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the bread and the signature cinnamon ribbon inside. Use white sugar for purity of flavor.
• Active dry yeast: The magic that makes the bread rise — make sure it’s fresh and bubbly!
• Salt: Just a bit is vital to enhance all the flavors and keep the bread balanced.
• Warm water: Helps activate the yeast and brings the dough together; aim for just warm to the touch, not hot.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the crumb soft and luxurious.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, lending warmth, spice, gorgeous swirls, and aroma that’s simply irresistible.
• More granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon for that delightful, melty swirl in every bite.

Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic, it’s so much fun to give Cinnamon Swirl Bread your own spin! Try one of these variations if you’re feeling creative, or make tweaks to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.

• Raisin Swirl: Sprinkle a generous handful of plump raisins over the cinnamon-sugar layer before rolling for a chewy, fruity surprise.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans with the cinnamon sugar for a bit of crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor.
• Whole Wheat Twist: Swap in half whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf with a little more fiber and flavor.
• Lighter Sweetness: Simply reduce the sugar in the filling if you’d like a less indulgent (but still delicious!) loaf.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it turns frothy and bubbly — that’s how you know your yeast is alive and ready to make your bread rise!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and mix everything together until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms — don’t worry if it’s not completely smooth at this stage.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic texture that bounces back gently when pressed — this is what gives the Cinnamon Swirl Bread its wonderful structure.

Step 4: The First Rise

Place your dough ball in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean, slightly damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. It should double in size — and it’s always a thrill to see how much it grows!

Step 5: Roll and Fill

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar, then generously sprinkle this mixture over the dough’s surface — don’t be shy, the swirl is the magic here.

Step 6: Roll and Shape the Loaf

Starting from one of the short sides, roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll, sealing the edge as best you can. Carefully transfer the log to your greased loaf pan, seam side down, then cover and let it have a final, shorter rise (about 30-45 minutes) for perfect dreamy height.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Pop your pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing — if you can wait, that is!

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Garnishes

Right out of the oven, a simple brush of melted butter is dreamy, but you can also dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little vanilla glaze for a sweet finish. For extra coziness, try a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts or a pinch more cinnamon right before serving.

Side Dishes

This bread is lovely on its own but truly shines beside a warm mug of coffee or spiced tea. For breakfast, serve slices alongside creamy Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. If you’re feeling indulgent, a swipe of salted butter or a slather of cream cheese is pure bliss!

Creative Ways to Present

Cinnamon Swirl Bread can be sliced thick and stacked on a platter for brunch, cut into cubes for cinnamon bread “croutons,” or even turned into the most decadent French toast ever. For gifting, wrap the cooled loaf in parchment and tie with twine — it’s just as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Cinnamon Swirl Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in foil or storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your house is humid, the fridge works for an extra day or two, but bring slices to room temp before enjoying for best texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes like a dream! Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for up to three months — just thaw on the counter overnight for homemade comfort anytime.

Reheating

To freshen up slices, pop them in a toaster for a crisp edge or zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to return them to pillowy softness. For an extra treat, butter and toast in a skillet until golden — heavenly!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake this Cinnamon Swirl Bread — it has all the coziness and sweet nostalgia you could wish for in a homemade loaf. There’s just something magical about pulling apart those cinnamon-streaked slices, so don’t wait for a special occasion. Invite yourself (and maybe a lucky friend or two) to a warm-from-the-oven treat you’ll never forget!

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