Warm & Buttery Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe For Cozy Mornings

Baking a delightful cinnamon swirl bread can turn an ordinary morning into a magical culinary adventure.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising warmth and comfort.

Soft, pillowy layers of dough intertwined with rich cinnamon create a tempting treat that beckons you closer.

Each slice reveals beautiful spiral patterns that make this bread more than just a simple recipe.

Memories of childhood breakfasts might dance in your mind as you prepare this classic comfort food.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, this bread delivers a delectable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a thick slice and savoring every incredible bite.

What Makes Cinnamon Swirl Bread So Soft and Sweet

• Quick & Easy Comfort: Perfect for busy home bakers seeking a delightful homemade bread without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Weekend Treat: Ideal for leisurely weekend breakfast, brunch gatherings, or casual afternoon snacking with family and friends.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple step-by-step process makes this recipe approachable for novice bakers wanting to explore bread making without intimidation.
• Sensory Satisfaction: Fills kitchen with warm, inviting cinnamon aroma and creates a soft, tender bread with irresistible swirled sugar-spice layers that melt in your mouth.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Ingredients

• Flour: Foundation of the bread with soft, tender texture. All-purpose flour works best.
• Milk: Provides moisture and tender crumb. Whole milk recommended for richness.
• Yeast: Creates rise and soft bread structure. Active dry yeast preferred.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth. Use fine table salt.
• Butter: Adds richness and soft texture. Unsalted butter ideal for control.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure. Large eggs recommended.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Warm, sweet swirl with deep caramel notes. Use fresh ground cinnamon.

• Egg Wash, Extra Butter: Creates golden brown surface and adds shine. Large egg preferred.
• Sugar: Optional light sprinkle for extra sweetness on top.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Baking Method

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl.

Let the mixture sit quietly until it becomes wonderfully foamy and bubbly.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Melted butter
• Egg

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.

Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.

Mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Transform Dough

Sprinkle flour on a clean surface.

Knead the dough with your hands, pushing and folding for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Craft Cinnamon Magic

In a small bowl, blend brown sugar and ground cinnamon until perfectly mixed.

Step 5: Roll and Spread Flavor

Gently punch down the risen dough.

Roll it into a large rectangle about 9×18 inches.

Brush the entire surface with melted butter.

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the dough.

Step 6: Shape Spectacular Loaf

Roll the dough tightly from the short end, creating a beautiful swirl.

Place the rolled dough seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Gently brush the loaf’s surface with egg wash to create a golden, shiny crust.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

The bread will turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 9: Cool and Savor

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Slice and enjoy with a generous spread of butter or simply on its own.

Swirl Bread Baking Know-How

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast and achieve that perfect foamy texture for soft, fluffy bread.
• Work dough on a lightly floured surface, using consistent pressure to develop gluten without overworking, which can make bread tough.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like near a preheated oven to help it rise evenly and develop rich flavor.
• Spread melted butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture generously but evenly to ensure each slice has a delicious, consistent cinnamon ribbon.
• Cool bread completely on a wire rack to allow steam to escape, maintaining a crisp crust and preventing moisture buildup.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread That Doesn’t Go Dry

• Store leftover cinnamon swirl bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for 3-4 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual slices or whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze up to 2 months for longer preservation.
• Warm slices at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring back that fresh-baked taste without drying out the bread.
• Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up, but be careful not to overheat and make the bread tough.

Sweet or Savory With Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• Brew Perfect Coffee Companions: Rich espresso or smooth cappuccino complements the bread's sweet cinnamon warmth, cutting through its richness with robust coffee notes.
• Create Sweet Wine Pairing: Moscato d'Asti or late harvest Riesling matches the bread's sugary cinnamon swirls, enhancing the dessert-like quality with delicate fruity undertones.
• Design Breakfast Sidekick: Greek yogurt with honey or cream cheese spread provides a tangy contrast to the bread's sweet cinnamon flavor, balancing each delicious bite.
• Elevate Afternoon Treat: Chai tea with its spicy-sweet profile mirrors the cinnamon's complexity, creating a harmonious and comforting flavor experience.

Tasty Styles Of Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
• Vegan Cinnamon Bread: Substitute milk with almond or soy milk, replace butter with coconut oil, and use a flax egg instead of regular egg. Ensure all filling ingredients are plant-based.
• Whole Wheat Cinnamon Swirl: Use whole wheat flour for a more nutritious version, adding extra fiber and nutrients. Mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar in both dough and filling by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative to create a diabetic-friendly version.

FAQs

• Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a clean surface. Use your palms to push and fold the dough consistently for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

When you mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast, it should become foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes. If no foam develops, your yeast might be old or inactive, and you’ll need fresh yeast.

• Can I freeze the cinnamon swirl bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the completely cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and the liquid is warm (not hot), which can kill the yeast. Also, place the dough in a draft-free, warm area like near a preheated oven to help it rise successfully.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon swirl bread delights taste buds with its irresistible spiral of warmth and sweet spice. Fragrant ribbons of cinnamon wind through soft, pillowy dough, inviting you to savor each comforting slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients (Dough):

• 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Swirl Mixture:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup (65 grams) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk

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Instructions

1. Awaken the yeast by whisking it into tepid milk and a touch of sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and alive for 5-10 minutes.
2. Create a soft, pillowy foundation by blending flour and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, then introducing the activated yeast, liquefied butter, and a single beaten egg until a cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transform the dough through vigorous kneading on a lightly floured surface, working it until achieving a silky, elastic consistency. Transfer to a generously greased container, drape with a clean cloth, and permit rising in a warm environment until volume doubles, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
4. Craft a fragrant filling by combining rich brown sugar with warm, aromatic ground cinnamon in a small receptacle.
5. Deflate the risen dough and roll it into a precise rectangular canvas, approximately 9×18 inches. Lavish the surface with melted butter, then generously dust with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Carefully roll the dough from its shorter edge, creating a tight, elegant cylinder. Position seam-side down in a prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan, then shield and allow a secondary rise for 45 minutes.
7. Ignite the oven to 350°F (175°C) and delicately brush the loaf’s surface with a glossy egg wash.
8. Bake until the bread transforms into a golden, aromatic masterpiece, approximately 35-40 minutes. Rest for 10 minutes before gently extracting from the pan.
9. Permit complete cooling before slicing, revealing the swirled interior. Savor unadorned or enhanced with a luxurious butter spread.

Notes

• Check yeast freshness by ensuring it foams, indicating active fermentation for perfect rise.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help dough develop consistent texture and smooth consistency.
• Avoid over-kneading dough, which can make bread tough; stop when it becomes smooth and elastic.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for structure.
• Prevent dry edges by covering dough with damp cloth during rising to maintain moisture.
• Create extra flavor variation by adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to cinnamon sugar filling.
• Ensure even baking by rotating loaf pan halfway through cooking time to prevent uneven browning.
• Store bread in airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for longer preservation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg