Ever had that “I want something sweet but not cake” craving at midnight? That’s how I discovered this cinnamon bread recipe—one midnight snack and suddenly my oven became best friend. Imagine golden bread swirling with cinnamon ribbon, smelling like cookies met toast and decided to stay. You need this in your life.
One night I Googled, “pleasurable carbs at 2AM,” and landed here. This cinnamon bread recipe is the answer: sweet but not dessert, soft but with a bit of crust, and so toaster-friendly you’ll be bragging by morning. Why buy another sad sweet roll when you can make this?
Why this cinnamon bread recipe is awesome
This cinnamon bread recipe checks all the boxes:
- Cinnamon swirl magic delivers that bakery treat in loaf form.
- One bread, multiple uses: toast, French toast, sandwiches—you name it.
- Easier than it looks, no fancy techniques, just basic baking.
- Impresses without stress, because swirl = wow factor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
Key substitutions:
- Dairy-free? Use almond milk and coconut oil.
- Want whole wheat swirl? Replace ½ cup flour with whole wheat.
Tools & kitchen gadgets used
- Mixing bowls – for wet and dry teams
- Whisk & spatula – for faster, smoother mixing
- Measuring cups & spoons – accuracy matters
- Loaf pan (9×5″) – swirl housing
- Pastry brush – for buttery glaze
- Clean towel or plastic wrap – proofing essential
- Cooling rack – crisp crust = happiness
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease loaf pan.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, yeast, salt.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
Step 4: Pour wet into dry. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 5: Knead lightly (or mix) for 5 minutes until soft and elastic.
Step 6: Cover and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 7: Mix filling: brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter.
Step 8: Roll dough to ½” thick rectangle. Spread filling evenly.
Step 9: Roll tightly into log from long side.
Step 10: Place in pan, pinch seams, cover, and rise again 30–45 minutes.
Step 11: Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding.
Step 12: Brush with melted butter, cool 10 minutes then rack 20 before slicing.
Calories & Nutritional Info (Per slice, 12 slices)
- Calories: ~250
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Pro tip: Pair with coffee for a balanced treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not proofing properly. Underproofed dough = dense loaf. Wait for that double rise.
Overkissing yeast with hot milk. No >115°F or it kills yeast life.
Lumpy filling. Pre-mix sugar and cinnamon or swirl becomes crunchy.
Rolling too tight. Dough needs room to rise, don’t suffocate it.
Skipping butter brush. That shiny crust? That’s flavor you don’t want to miss.
Variations & Customizations
Nutty swirl: Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts in filling.
Apple cinnamon loaf: Add ½ cup diced apples atop filling.
Pumpkin spice version: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice and swirl in 2 Tbsp pumpkin puree.
Gluten-free: Use 1:1 GF blend with xanthan gum (same method).
FAQ Section
1. Can I make buns instead of a loaf?
Yes—slice rolled dough into 12 buns, bake 20–25 mins.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap cooled loaf in foil or plastic. Toast before eating.
3. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes—slice, wrap, freeze up to 3 months. Microwave or toast to serve.
4. What milk alternatives work?
Cow, almond, oat, soy—all work fine.
5. Can I use instant yeast?
Yes; mix it into flour and skip the 5-minute proof with milk.
6. My swirl sunk. How to fix?
Roll more gently, leave a small edge on long side to pinch seam.
7. Can I add raisins?
Yes! Sprinkle ½ cup raisins on filling before rolling.
8. Can I skip kneading?
You can do a no-knead version—mix and give it an extra rise (~2 hours).
Final Thoughts
This cinnamon bread recipe is your golden ticket from basic carbs to breakfast royalty. It’s sweet, comforting, and easy enough for a Monday morning bake. Once you master this, boxed cinnamon bread will feel like a sad, distant memory. Snap that swirl shot, tag me, and let’s bask in bakery-level achievement—oven at home? You rock.