Cinnamon swirl bread is like a warm hug wrapped in a cozy blanket. Imagine slicing into that golden-brown loaf, revealing swirls of rich cinnamon and sugar that dance together in perfect harmony. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making you feel like a baking wizard conjuring up deliciousness from thin air.
This delightful treat isn’t just a breakfast option; it’s perfect for brunch gatherings, afternoon snacks, or even as dessert. Each bite promises to awaken your senses with its comforting flavors, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next slice.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can whip up this cinnamon swirl bread with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy mornings
- The sweet and spicy flavor profile will have your taste buds singing!
- Its beautiful swirls make it visually appealing and perfect for sharing at gatherings
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy plain or with your favorite spreads
One time, I baked this cinnamon swirl bread for a family brunch, and my cousin tried to claim the entire loaf before it even cooled down. Clearly, it was a hit!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour forms the base of our dough; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and enhances that irresistible cinnamon flavor; don’t skimp on it!
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Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for an aromatic kick; it’s the star ingredient that makes this bread special.
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Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh and bubbly; this helps your bread rise beautifully.
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Milk: Warm milk gives the dough moisture and richness; opt for whole milk for extra creaminess.
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Butter: Melted butter adds flavor and tenderness; use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
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Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness; they also help bind everything together perfectly.
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Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness; don’t forget this essential ingredient!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Get ready to roll up those sleeves because we’re about to embark on a baking adventure!
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk with active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until frothy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to do its magic.
Create the Dough Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and eggs into the mix. Pour in your frothy yeast mixture and stir until combined.
Knead Away!: Transfer your dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—think of it as giving your bread some much-needed therapy.
Let It Rise!: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 hour should do the trick.
Cinnamon Swirl Filling Preparation: While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. This filling is like magic fairy dust that transforms your bread into something spectacular.
Assemble Your Bread: Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread melted butter over the top then sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture generously across its surface before rolling tightly into a log.
Now slice that log into equal pieces and place them in a greased loaf pan. Cover again with cloth and allow them to rise once more—a final flourish before baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant enough to make you weak at the knees! Allow cooling slightly before slicing into that gorgeous loaf.
Enjoy every bite of your homemade cinnamon swirl bread! It’s bound to become a cherished recipe shared among family and friends alike.
You Must Know
- This delightful cinnamon swirl bread is not just a treat; it fills your kitchen with heavenly aromas
- The warm, gooey filling and soft, fluffy texture will make you want to bake every day
- Plus, it’s a perfect companion for coffee or tea!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your dry ingredients before adding wet ones for a smoother dough. Knead well to activate gluten, then let it rise. After shaping, allow a second rise to achieve that fluffy texture everyone loves.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular sugar for brown sugar in the filling to enhance that caramel flavor. You might also experiment with nuts or dried fruits for added texture and taste. Personalizing this bread makes it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon swirl bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, wrap it tightly and freeze. Reheat slices in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick warm-up.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Achieving the ultimate cinnamon swirl bread requires some insider knowledge
- Always use fresh spices for maximum flavor, and don’t skip the second rise; it’s essential for lightness
- Letting the dough rest improves its elasticity too!
Baking this cinnamon swirl bread brought back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of warm spices always felt like home. Her secret was patience—something I didn’t realize made all the difference until much later.

FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but expect denser bread; consider blending both for balance.
How long should I let the dough rise?
Let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours in a warm place.
What can I do if my dough isn’t rising?
Check yeast freshness; if expired, it won’t activate, leading to flat bread.
Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Cinnamon swirl bread is a delightful treat that envelops you in warmth with every slice. This homemade loaf features soft, fluffy dough intertwined with a sweet cinnamon filling, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The irresistible aroma fills your kitchen as it bakes, inviting everyone to gather around and enjoy a slice of this comforting classic.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar in a small bowl. Let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and eggs; pour in the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- For the filling, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle; spread melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Roll tightly into a log.
- Slice the log into equal pieces and place them in a greased loaf pan. Cover again and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg


