Warm & Fluffy Decadent Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

My grandmother’s cherished cinnamon swirl bread recipe always brings comfort and nostalgia to our kitchen.

Warm aromas drift through the house, promising delectable moments ahead.

Sweet spirals of cinnamon weave magic into soft, pillowy dough.

Memories flood back with each twist and fold of this beloved classic.

Gentle kneading creates a rhythmic dance of ingredients that whisper family traditions.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and subtle, this bread becomes more than just a treat.

You’ll want to slice into this golden loaf and savor every delightful bite.

FAQs

• How do I know if my yeast is active and working properly?

Mix warm milk and yeast. Wait 5 minutes. If the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, your yeast is alive and ready to use. If no bubbles form, the yeast might be old or the liquid was too hot or cold.

• Why is kneading the dough important for this bread?

Kneading develops gluten, which gives bread its structure and texture. By kneading for 10 minutes, you create a smooth, elastic dough that will rise properly and have a soft, tender crumb.

• Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. Use the heel of your hand to push and fold the dough repeatedly. It takes more effort, but works just as well as a machine.

What Makes Cinnamon Swirl Bread So Decadent

• Craft Comfort Baking: Create a warm, aromatic bread that fills your kitchen with irresistible cinnamon scents and brings instant happiness to everyone around.
• Master Simple Techniques: Develop baking skills with a straightforward recipe that guides you through each step, perfect for beginners wanting to explore homemade bread making.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Delight family and friends with a classic bread that serves as a spectacular breakfast option, afternoon snack, or sweet dessert companion that everyone will adore.
• Versatile Crowd-Charmer: Impress guests at brunches, potlucks, or casual gatherings with a bakery-style bread that looks professionally crafted but requires minimal culinary expertise.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the bread.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the yeast for a soft, tender crumb.
• Yeast: Essential for making the bread rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Eggs: Contribute to the richness and binding of the bread dough.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, flavorful bread.

• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the bread.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like flavor in the cinnamon swirl filling.

• Cinnamon, Salt: Cinnamon adds warmth and aroma to the bread, while salt enhances the overall flavor and controls yeast growth.

How to Bake Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Step 1: Activate Yeast Magic

Combine warm milk and sugar in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let it sit and bubble for about 5 minutes.

The mixture will become frothy and alive with potential.

Step 2: Create Silky Dough Foundation

Pour in melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture.

Gradually incorporate flour and salt, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead with love and energy for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a generously greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and place in a cozy, warm spot.

Allow the dough to rise and double in size, which typically takes about an hour.

Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Step 5: Shape Delicious Layers

Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape.

Brush the entire surface with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the dough.

Step 6: Roll and Second Rise

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal.

Place in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the loaf into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly before slicing.

Tips for Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, which helps create a soft, fluffy bread texture.
• Pat dough gently when kneading to maintain proper hydration, preventing dry or tough bread.
• Roll dough evenly to distribute cinnamon-sugar filling consistently, creating balanced swirls in every slice.
• Check bread at 25 minutes and use a golden-brown color as a visual cue for perfect doneness, avoiding dry results.
• Brush melted butter on top after baking for extra shine and rich, buttery taste that elevates the bread's overall experience.

Variations for Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend of rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Loaf: Substitute milk with almond milk, eggs with flax eggs, and butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
• Whole Wheat Cinnamon Bread: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutritional value and a nuttier flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Cinnamon Swirl: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a diabetic-friendly and lower-calorie option.

Pairings for Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• – A warm, spiced chai latte complements the cinnamon bread's rich flavors, creating a harmonious blend of comforting warmth and sweet spiciness.
• – Creamy vanilla yogurt provides a cool, tangy contrast to the bread's sweet cinnamon swirls, balancing the richness and adding a refreshing touch.
• – Tart raspberry preserves cut through the bread's sweetness, offering a bright, fruity counterpoint that enhances the cinnamon's deep, warm notes.

Storage Advice for Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• Store bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly to prevent drying out and maintain softness.
• Wrap completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.
• Cut bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, place in freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in toaster or microwave for quick individual servings.
• Warm slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore original softness and restore fresh-baked taste.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon swirl bread weaves warmth and comfort into each delectable slice. Sweet spirals of spice dance through soft, tender crumb, inviting bread lovers to savor pure baking magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (warm)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk and sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and alive for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate melted butter and eggs into the activated yeast mixture, creating a smooth, rich base for the bread dough.
3. Gradually fold in flour and salt, transforming the liquid mixture into a cohesive, elastic dough through gentle kneading on a lightly dusted surface.
4. Transfer the dough to a generously greased bowl, envelop it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rest and expand in a draft-free, warm environment until its volume doubles (roughly 60 minutes).
5. Craft the aromatic filling by blending brown sugar and cinnamon into a fragrant, sweet mixture.
6. Gently roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape, lavishing it with a layer of melted butter, then generously scatter the cinnamon-sugar blend across the surface.
7. Meticulously roll the dough into a tight cylindrical log, carefully sealing the edges to prevent filling escape.
8. Nestle the rolled dough into a prepared loaf pan, drape with a cloth, and permit a final rise for approximately 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake the bread until it achieves a golden-brown exterior, approximately 25-30 minutes, then allow to cool slightly before slicing to preserve its delicate structure.

Notes

• Activate yeast properly by ensuring milk temperature is warm (110-115°F), not hot, which can kill the delicate microorganisms.
• Create consistent texture by kneading dough thoroughly, developing gluten strands that provide structure and softness.
• Prevent dry edges during rolling by spreading melted butter evenly, ensuring each slice remains moist and flavorful.
• Adjust for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum for binding.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 204 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 153 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg