Copycat Costco Cinnamon Bread Recipe: Make It at Home
If you’ve ever walked through Costco’s bakery section, chances are the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon bread has stopped you in your tracks. Their iconic Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread (sometimes called “Cinnamon Loaf”) is legendary—soft, fluffy, buttery, and loaded with swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness. But what if you could recreate that same irresistible loaf in your own kitchen?
The good news is—you can! This Copycat Costco Cinnamon Bread Recipe is the perfect homemade version of the beloved treat. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requires simple pantry ingredients, and tastes just like (if not better than) the one you’d grab in-store. Whether you enjoy it warm for breakfast, toasted with butter, or as a sweet snack, this recipe is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips, variations, and storage.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Costco Cinnamon Bread
There’s a reason Costco’s cinnamon bread is so popular—it’s a mix between dessert and breakfast bread, with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Here’s why this homemade version is just as good (if not better):
- Soft and fluffy texture – The dough rises beautifully, giving you bakery-style bread right at home.
- Rich cinnamon-sugar swirl – Every bite has that gooey, cinnamon-spiced sweetness Costco fans adore.
- Perfect for sharing – This recipe makes two loaves, so you can enjoy one now and freeze one for later.
- Versatile treat – Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or even turned into French toast.
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy Costco’s cinnamon bread without leaving the house, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients for Copycat Costco Cinnamon Bread Recipe
To recreate that iconic loaf, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, so you probably already have them on hand.
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 – 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully and you’ll have two loaves of cinnamon swirl bread that rival Costco’s famous version.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to work.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook), whisk together the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Add in the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Roll Out and Add Filling
Punch down the dough, divide it into two equal portions, and roll each one into a rectangle (about 9×14 inches). Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 5: Roll and Shape
Starting from the shorter side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. For extra swirls, you can slice the log lengthwise, twist the halves together, and place into greased loaf pans.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the loaves and let them rise for another 45 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake loaves for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8: Add Topping
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while warm.
Tips for the Perfect Copycat Costco Cinnamon Bread
- Use fresh yeast – Old or expired yeast will prevent your bread from rising properly.
- Don’t rush the rising – The longer the dough has to rise, the lighter and fluffier it will be.
- Twist for more swirls – If you want a dramatic cinnamon swirl effect, slice and twist the dough before baking.
- Check for doneness – Bread should reach an internal temp of 190°F to ensure it’s fully baked.
- Cool before slicing – Allow the bread to rest at least 20 minutes before cutting for clean slices.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is meant to mimic the Costco favorite, you can always switch things up to fit your taste:
- Cinnamon Raisin Bread – Sprinkle in raisins before rolling.
- Glazed Cinnamon Bread – Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze after baking.
- Nutty Twist – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Extra Sweet – Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top for a dessert-style loaf.
Serving Ideas
This copycat Costco cinnamon bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few fun ways to enjoy it:
- Toasted with butter – A classic and cozy breakfast.
- French toast – Use thick slices to make the ultimate cinnamon French toast.
- Bread pudding – Cube leftovers and bake into a rich, cinnamon bread pudding.
- Holiday brunch centerpiece – Serve warm with coffee for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Storage and Freezing
One of the best parts about this recipe is how well it stores.
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 7 days (but may dry out slightly).
- Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw and warm in the oven for 10 minutes at 300°F.
Copycat Costco Cinnamon Bread Recipe (Printable Card)
Here’s the full recipe in an easy-to-follow format.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 ¼ tsp yeast
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 4–4 ½ cups flour
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 ½ tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate yeast with warm milk and sugar.
- Mix with eggs, butter, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth.
- Let rise until doubled.
- Roll out, spread butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
- Roll up, place in pans, let rise.
- Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.
- Brush with butter, sprinkle sugar-cinnamon topping.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Costco Cinnamon Bread Recipe is the ultimate way to bring that bakery-fresh goodness into your own home. With its fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon swirls, and irresistible aroma, it’s a treat that tastes just like the original—and maybe even better.
Whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or just because, this bread is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
So next time you’re craving Costco’s famous cinnamon bread, skip the trip and make it yourself—you won’t be disappointed!
