Best Cinnamon Bread Recipe: A Comforting Homemade Delight
Few things make a kitchen smell as warm and inviting as fresh cinnamon bread baking in the oven. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, this cinnamon bread recipe will quickly become a household favorite. With its soft texture, perfectly spiced swirl, and golden crust, it’s hard to resist a warm slice fresh out of the oven.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a foolproof cinnamon bread recipe, including tips, variations, storage advice, and serving ideas to make the most of every loaf.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Homemade Goodness: No preservatives, just simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Sweet & Spiced: A delicious swirl of cinnamon and sugar in every bite.
- Versatile: Enjoy it toasted, plain, buttered, or even as French toast.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired, or the milk may be too hot.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together. Set aside the melted butter.
5. Shape the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle, about 9×14 inches. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the dough.
6. Roll and Pan
Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from the short end. Place seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
7. Second Rise
Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
8. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Optional Glaze
Once cooled slightly, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Bread
- Use Fresh Yeast: Active yeast gives the best rise and texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough mix and rise more evenly.
- Tight Rolling: Helps create a clean swirl pattern and even baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Use a thermometer—bread is done at an internal temp of 190°F.
Variations to Try
- Raisin Cinnamon Bread: Sprinkle raisins on the filling layer before rolling.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Lasts up to 7 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for a fresh-baked feel.
Serving Suggestions
- Toasted with butter or jam
- Made into French toast or bread pudding
- Served with coffee or tea
- As a sweet sandwich with cream cheese or nut butter
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cinnamon bread recipe without a mixer? Yes! You can knead the dough by hand. It just takes a little more elbow grease.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast? You can use instant yeast. Skip the activation step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just divide the dough between two loaf pans and adjust rising time as needed.
Why is my bread dense? Likely causes include under-kneading, old yeast, or letting the dough rise in a cool spot.
Final Thoughts
This homemade cinnamon bread recipe offers a wonderful combination of soft, fluffy texture and rich cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re baking it for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a warm and comforting treat that never disappoints. Once you try it, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it—from breakfast to dessert.
So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon bread. Happy baking!
