There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon swirl bread wafting through your home. The sweet scent of cinnamon mingling with warm, buttery dough creates a cozy atmosphere that beckons everyone to the kitchen. Each slice reveals mesmerizing swirls of cinnamon and sugar, promising a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Growing up, my grandma would whip up a loaf of this cinnamon swirl bread every Sunday. We’d gather around the table, eagerly awaiting our first slice slathered with butter. It was more than just breakfast; it was a ritual filled with laughter and love, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or as a comforting treat any day of the week.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baking this cinnamon swirl bread is surprisingly easy and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for beginners
- The rich flavors create an inviting experience that will impress friends and family alike
- Its stunning appearance makes it a delightful centerpiece for any brunch or gathering
- You can enjoy it fresh or toasted, making it versatile enough to suit any preference
I remember the first time I made this recipe for my friends. Their eyes widened in surprise when they tasted the warm, gooey goodness that melted in their mouths. It quickly became a crowd favorite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour works beautifully to create the perfect dough texture for your bread.
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Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances both the dough and the filling; don’t skip this essential ingredient.
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Active Dry Yeast: Use fresh yeast to ensure your bread rises beautifully and develops that fluffy texture we all love.
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Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast while adding richness; make sure it’s not too hot or too cold.
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Cinnamon: The star of the show! Use high-quality ground cinnamon for the best flavor in your swirl filling.
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Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and flavor; don’t be shy—this is comfort food at its finest!
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Eggs: Eggs enrich the dough and provide structure; opt for large eggs at room temperature for best results.
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Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances all other flavors in your bread.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preparing this cinnamon swirl bread is simpler than you might think! Let’s dive into those glorious steps that’ll have your kitchen smelling heavenly.
Activate Your Yeast: Start by warming 1 cup of milk until it’s lukewarm. Pour it into a bowl, add 1 packet of active dry yeast, and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Create the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well before creating a well in the center to pour in your yeast mixture along with 2 beaten eggs and 1/4 cup melted butter.
Knead Away!: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step is crucial to develop gluten, giving your bread its structure.
Let It Rise!: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
Prepare Your Filling: While waiting for your dough to rise, mix together 1/2 cup sugar with 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will create those tantalizing swirls that make this bread unforgettable.
Shape Your Bread: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface before spreading melted butter over it generously. Sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the entire surface.
Enjoying homemade cinnamon swirl bread is truly one of life’s simple pleasures! Whether you savor it fresh from the oven or toast slices later on, each bite transports you back to cherished memories filled with warmth and joy.
You Must Know
- Cinnamon swirl bread is not just a treat; it’s an experience
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make your neighbors jealous
- This delightful bread offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve that perfect cinnamon swirl bread, start by activating your yeast in warm milk, then mix dry ingredients while letting the dough rise twice for fluffy results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the regular sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also add nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon swirl bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm and fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfect cinnamon swirls, roll the dough tightly when shaping
- This prevents gaps and keeps the filling intact
- Allow bread to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts and beautiful presentation
- Freshly baked bread is best enjoyed within two days for optimal flavor and texture
The first time I made cinnamon swirl bread, my family devoured it within minutes! Their smiles were proof that this recipe was a hit—definitely worth the effort!
FAQ
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Check if your yeast is active by testing it in warm water with sugar.
Can I freeze cinnamon swirl bread?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil; it lasts up to three months.
What can I serve with cinnamon swirl bread?
Enjoy it with cream cheese spread or a dollop of butter for extra indulgence.
Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful homemade treat that fills your home with its warm, inviting aroma. With swirls of sweet cinnamon and sugar nestled within soft, buttery dough, each slice is a comforting bite of nostalgia. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, this recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to share at gatherings. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted later, this cinnamon swirl bread is sure to become a household favorite.
- 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
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for yeast activation)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Warm milk until lukewarm. Combine with yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar; let froth for 5-10 minutes.
- Create Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, beaten eggs, and melted butter; mix until combined.
- Knead Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- First Rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Prepare Filling: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Shape Bread: Punch down the dough, roll into a rectangle, spread melted butter over it, and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Second Rise: Roll tightly and place in a greased loaf pan. Cover again and let rise until doubled (about 30 minutes).
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
