Name: Cinnamon Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ¾ cups all-purpose or bread flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup warm milk; 2¼ tsp active dry yeast; ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 1 tsp salt; ¾ cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened); Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Cinnamon bread is a soft, tender loaf filled with a swirl of sweet cinnamon sugar that makes every slice feel like a cozy treat. Whether I serve it warm with butter, toast it for breakfast, or enjoy it as a sweet afternoon snack, this bread always brings comfort and warmth to my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between soft, fluffy bread and a delicious cinnamon filling. It’s not overly sweet, which makes it perfect any time of day. The aroma while it bakes is unbeatable, and it looks beautiful when sliced with that signature cinnamon swirl running through the center.

Ingredients

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

For the dough:

All-purpose flour or bread flour
Granulated sugar
Warm milk
Active dry yeast
Unsalted butter (softened)
Salt
Egg

For the cinnamon filling:

Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Unsalted butter (softened)

Optional glaze or topping:

Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract
Butter for brushing the top after baking

Directions

I warm the milk and combine it with yeast and a little sugar, letting it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
I mix in the egg, salt, softened butter, and remaining sugar, then gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
I knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
While it rises, I mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
I roll the dough out into a rectangle, spread the softened butter over the surface, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top.
I roll it up tightly from the short end, pinch the seam to seal, and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×5 loaf pan.
I let it rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 35–40 minutes, covering with foil halfway if the top gets too dark.
Once baked, I brush the top with butter and optionally drizzle with a simple glaze once cooled.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 loaf, about 10–12 slices. It takes 20 minutes to prep, 1½ to 2 hours for rising, and 35–40 minutes to bake.

Variations

Sometimes I add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture. I’ve also turned this into cinnamon rolls by slicing the rolled dough and baking the pieces in a pan. For extra sweetness, I top the loaf with a powdered sugar glaze or even a crumb topping before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5. To reheat, I toast individual slices or microwave for 10–15 seconds. It also freezes well—just wrap it tightly and thaw overnight before slicing or reheating.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, I skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour. It works just as well.

How do I keep the swirl from separating?

I roll the dough tightly and make sure the filling isn’t too thick. Pinching the seam closed well helps it hold together during baking.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, I’ve used half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a heartier version. The texture is slightly denser but still delicious.

Why did my bread rise unevenly?

It may have over-proofed or the oven temperature could have been too low. I keep an eye on the rise and make sure my oven is fully preheated.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, I shape the loaf and refrigerate it before the second rise. Then I bring it to room temp and let it rise before baking the next day.

Conclusion

Cinnamon bread is one of those timeless recipes that I never get tired of making. It’s warm, soft, and filled with the comforting flavor of cinnamon sugar that turns even a regular day into something special. Whether fresh from the oven or toasted with butter, it’s always a favorite in my home.