I love this Cinnamon Swirl Bread for its tender crumb, sweet cinnamon ribbon, and the warm aroma that fills my home as it bakes. It’s a comforting classic that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy treat with a cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how the soft, buttery dough wraps around a rich layer of melted cinnamon sugar. Every slice reveals a beautiful swirl that’s as delightful to look at as it is to taste. It’s simple enough for a relaxed weekend bake, but impressive enough to share with family or guests.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Instant yeast
Salt
Milk (warm)
Unsalted butter (softened)
Large eggs
Ground cinnamon
Brown sugar

Directions

I begin by warming the milk to around 110 °F (43 °C), which helps activate the yeast.
In a mixing bowl, I whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
I pour in the warm milk, beaten eggs, and softened butter, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
I knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and slightly tacky.
I place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
While it’s rising, I mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar for the swirl.
Once the dough has risen, I punch it down, roll it into a rectangle (about 12×8 in/30×20 cm), and evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it.
I roll the dough tightly along its long edge, pinch the seam to seal, and place it seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
I cover the pan and let it rise again until it reaches just above the rim—about 30–40 minutes.
I bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and the internal temperature reaches 190 °F (88 °C).
I cool it in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes one 9×5-inch loaf (about 12 slices)
Prep time: 25 minutes (plus kneading)
First rise: ~1 hour
Assembly and second rise: ~40 minutes
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: Around 2 hours 35 minutes

Variations

Swirl upgrades: I sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the swirl for crunch.
Spiced twist: I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for extra warmth.
Chocolate swirl: I swap half the brown sugar for cocoa powder to create a chocolate ribbon.
Glazed loaf: I drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled loaf for added sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, I slice and freeze it in zip‑top bags—each slice thaws in minutes.
To refresh, I heat a slice in the toaster or warm it in a low oven for 5 minutes until warm and soft.

FAQs

What type of yeast should I use for best results?

I recommend instant yeast because I can mix it directly with dry ingredients without proofing, making preparation easier.

Can I use whole milk or non-dairy milk?

I’ve used whole milk for extra richness, and almond milk works well too; just warm it to the same temperature before use.

Why is two rises necessary?

The first rise builds flavor and gluten structure, while the second rise ensures the loaf keeps its shape and develops that beautiful swirl.

How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

I look for a golden-brown top and tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow. You can also check that the internal temperature reads 190 °F (88 °C).

Can I make this dough in a bread machine or stand mixer?

Absolutely—I use the dough setting on my machine or the paddle and dough hook on a stand mixer, then transfer to a pan for rising and shaping.

Conclusion

I find this Cinnamon Swirl Bread both comforting and beautiful, with its soft, bakery-style crumb and sweet spiral. It fills my home with warmth and smells heavenly. Once you give it a try, I think this loaf will become a favorite for breakfasts, snacks, and sharing around the table. Let’s bake and enjoy!

Cinnamon Swirl Bread