Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Oh my gosh, I just love cinnamon swirl bread. The smell makes my tummy tingle. And the swirls look so fun! I remember the first time I tried it, and wow, I felt warm and happy. Each bite was sweet and spicy. I just had to share this feeling with everyone. Now I dream of cinnamon swirl bread every day. A little butter on top, and I’m in heaven. It’s like a cozy hug for my taste buds. So, yes, let’s grab a loaf together! We can slice it up and taste the magic. I promise we’ll both grin from ear to ear.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Tender: Light, fluffy texture with buttery layers of cinnamon sugar.
• Perfect for Any Time: Enjoy it warm from the oven, toasted for breakfast, or as a snack.
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps to guide you through making homemade bread — no fancy equipment needed.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make an extra loaf and freeze for later.
• Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or extra cinnamon to make it your own.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Bake Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus rising time)
• Bake Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours (including rise)

Servings:

This recipe makes one standard loaf, enough for 8-10 slices — perfect for sharing (or not!).

Difficulty:

Easy to moderate — great for beginners learning yeast bread, but satisfying for experienced bakers too.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make Cinnamon Swirl Bread, gather these tools for a smooth baking process:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients and letting dough rise.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for bread success.
• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (Optional): Speeds up kneading, but hands work too.
• Rolling Pin: For shaping the dough and spreading the filling.
• Loaf Pan (9×5 inch): To bake the bread into a perfect loaf.
• Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap: For covering dough while it rises.
• Pastry Brush: Optional, but useful for brushing butter over the bread before and after baking.
• Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: For shaping and cutting the dough if needed.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious homemade loaf (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and softness.
• Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness in the dough and for the cinnamon filling.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast — make sure it’s not too hot (about 110°F).
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the dough and fills the swirl.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the swirl — warm and fragrant.
• Milk (Optional): Can be used for brushing on top to create a soft crust.

Variations for Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• Add Raisins: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of raisins over the cinnamon sugar layer for a classic touch.
• Use Brown Sugar: Swap white sugar for light or dark brown sugar in the filling to create a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Nutty Swirl: Add 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for crunch.
• Extra Cinnamon: Increase cinnamon to 2 tablespoons for a bolder spice flavor.
• Glaze It: Drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf for a sweet finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F), sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy — this means your yeast is active.

Add melted butter and salt, then gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

Once the dough starts coming together, knead it for about 8-10 minutes (or 5-6 minutes in a mixer) until smooth and elastic.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Roll Out and Fill

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 9×18 inches — wide enough to fit your loaf pan when rolled.

Brush the surface with melted butter.

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the buttered dough.

4. Shape the Bread

Starting from one short end, roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll, pinching the seam to seal.

Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Cover again and let rise for 30-40 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

5. Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Once the bread has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped.

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Bread is delicious on its own, but here are some simple ways to enjoy it:

• Toasted with Butter: Slice and toast, then spread with a pat of butter for a warm, comforting treat.
• With Cream Cheese: A layer of cream cheese adds richness and turns it into a quick breakfast.
• French Toast: Dip slices in egg mixture and cook on a skillet for a sweet, cinnamon-infused French toast.
• Dessert Bread: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.
• With Fruit: Pair slices with fresh berries or apple slices for a balanced snack.

Storing Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Room Temperature:

Store cooled bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days at room temperature. Keep it in a cool, dry place.

Refrigeration (Optional):

Though not required, you can refrigerate the bread to extend freshness for up to 1 week. Wrap well to prevent drying out.

Freezing:

Cinnamon Swirl Bread freezes beautifully:

• Whole Loaf: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Individual Slices: Wrap each slice and freeze in a bag for easy grab-and-go portions.
• To Serve: Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter. Warm slices in the toaster or oven if desired.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per slice, based on 10 slices per loaf:

Nutrient	Amount per slice
Calories	220
Carbohydrates	34g
Protein	4g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	170mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	10g

Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread FAQs

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface. It takes a bit more time (about 8-10 minutes), but the result is just as good.

What kind of yeast should I use?

This recipe uses active dry yeast, but you can also use instant yeast — just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. After the first rise, you can cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, bring it to room temperature before rolling out and adding the filling.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The top should be golden brown, and the bread should sound hollow when tapped. You can also check with a thermometer — the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C) when done.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! You can easily double the ingredients to make two loaves. Great for sharing or freezing one for later.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a timeless homemade treat that’s simple enough for a weekday and special enough for weekends or holidays. The soft, buttery crumb paired with ribbons of sweet cinnamon makes every slice comforting and delicious. Whether you’re serving it warm for breakfast or enjoying a quiet afternoon snack, this bread brings a little extra joy to the table.

Take your time, enjoy the process, and savor the reward — a perfect loaf you’ll be proud to share (or keep for yourself).