Name: Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-490044H32M51S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups bread flour; 1 cup warm milk; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 3 tbsp sugar; 3 tbsp butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 tsp salt; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp melted butter

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If you love the comforting aroma of cinnamon filling your kitchen and the delightful combination of soft, fluffy bread with a sweet swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness, then you are in for a treat with this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe. It’s a homemade masterpiece that feels like a warm hug in bread form, perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even as a thoughtful gift. The bread is tender with just the right hint of spice and sweetness, elevating any meal with its irresistible charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with layers of dry ingredients: the largest part is pale flour with a rough, powdery texture, a smaller mound of fine white baking powder sits on top near the center, a bit of fine white salt is visible slightly to the side, and a small rough pile of brown cinnamon is at the lower left. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface are a block of yellow butter with blue lettering at the top left, a small white bowl with golden liquid at the right, a clear glass measuring cup with white milk at the bottom left, and a small clear bowl of white sugar at the bottom center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together into a beautiful, aromatic loaf. Each component plays a crucial role—flour for structure, yeast for that perfect rise, warm milk for softness, and the luscious cinnamon filling for that signature swirl and flavor.

3 cups bread flour: The backbone of the bread, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
1 cup warm milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping the dough rise beautifully.
2 1/4 tsp yeast: The magical ingredient that makes the bread fluffy by creating air pockets.
3 tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
3 tbsp butter, melted: Enriches the dough, making it tender and flavorful.
1 egg: Binds the dough and contributes to the bread’s soft texture.
1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
1/3 cup brown sugar (for filling): Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl.
1 tbsp cinnamon (for filling): The star spice that creates that warm, cozy flavor.
2 tbsp melted butter (for filling): Keeps the cinnamon-sugar mixture moist and spreadable.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the yeast, sugar, and warm milk in a bowl and letting it sit until foamy. This step wakes up the yeast, ensuring your bread will rise nice and fluffy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Next, add bread flour, salt, egg, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until it starts to come together, then knead the dough for about 8 minutes. You’ll want a soft, smooth texture that’s just a bit springy to the touch.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. It should double in size, becoming light and airy.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until combined. This sweet filling is what gives this bread its iconic swirl.

Step 5: Shape the Bread

Roll out your risen dough into a rectangle on a floured surface, then spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll it up tightly into a loaf shape, pinch the seams closed, and place it into a greased bread pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the loaf and let it rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise lets the dough puff up and promises a soft, fluffy crumb.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes. The crust should turn a beautiful golden brown, and your house will smell like heaven.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

A thick roll of cinnamon swirl bread is resting on a wooden board. The bread has two visible layers inside: a soft, light brown dough and a dark cinnamon sugar filling that spirals through the center. A single slice is cut and leaning against the loaf, showing chopped nuts and a dusting of powdered sugar on the top crust. Some crumbs and bits of cinnamon filling are scattered around the bread. In the background, there are jars of white flour or sugar placed on a white marbled surface. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze can take this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe to the next level. Fresh fruit or a pat of melting butter alongside each slice also complements the warm spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. Its sweet notes also make it an excellent companion to a bowl of creamy soup for a cozy afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and toast it with a dollop of mascarpone and honey for a luxurious treat. Or turn it into French toast, soaking slices in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and frying them until golden for a decadent weekend breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep the Cinnamon Swirl Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to hold onto your loaf longer, freeze it by wrapping tightly in plastic and then in foil. The bread freezes well for up to two months and thaws easily without losing its softness.

Reheating

To refresh your bread, slice and toast, or warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and makes the cinnamon filling wonderfully fragrant again.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the bread may turn out a bit less chewy and dense since bread flour has a higher protein content that gives structure and elasticity.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Gluten-free bread requires a special blend of flours and binders to mimic gluten’s properties. This Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe isn’t designed for gluten-free substitutions without adjustments, but there are many gluten-free cinnamon swirl bread recipes you can explore.

Can I add raisins or nuts to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding raisins or chopped nuts to the cinnamon filling or dough gives an extra texture and flavor boost, making your bread even more delightful.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when tapped. For certainty, you can use a thermometer—the internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C).

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, kneading by hand works perfectly fine. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but the result will be just as delicious!

Final Thoughts

Baking your very own Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe is such a rewarding experience, with the scent, texture, and flavor filling your home and heart. Whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast, turning it into French toast, or sharing it with loved ones, this bread adds a special touch to any day. I encourage you to try this recipe and savor every delightful bite of your homemade cinnamon-swirled treasure.