Cinnamon Bread Recipe: Sweet-Spicy Loaf with Crispy Crust

Cinnamon Bread is a sweet, aromatic loaf ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Soft and fluffy, it features a generous cinnamon-sugar swirl that fills the kitchen with warm, comforting aromas. Simple to prepare and delightful to eat, this recipe is perfect for bakers of any level.

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Equipment:

  • 9×5 inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rolling pin
  • Oven

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the dough:

    • Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk in a small bowl and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
    • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg, then mix until a cohesive dough forms.
    • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. First rise:

    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  3. Make the filling:

    • Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
  4. Shape the loaf:

    • Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
    • Brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly over the dough.
    • Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other to form a log. Place the log seam-side down in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  5. Second rise and bake:

    • Cover the pan and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
  6. Cool and serve:

    • Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips:

  • Add-ins: Fold in a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the cinnamon-sugar layer for extra texture and flavor.
  • Storage: Wrap cooled bread tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat slices briefly for a fresh-baked taste.
  • Even swirl: Roll the dough with even pressure so the cinnamon swirl distributes uniformly through the loaf.

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This cinnamon bread delivers classic comfort — a tender crumb with a warm cinnamon-sugar ribbon. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that works well for weekend brunches, afternoon treats, or a cozy dessert. Enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or toasted and topped with cream cheese for an extra indulgence.


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Cinnamon Bread

A sweet, aromatic loaf with a tender crumb and a cinnamon-sugar swirl.

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm milk 110°F/45°C
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 large egg
  • For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Equipment

  • 9×5 inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rolling pin
  • Oven

Method

  1. Prepare the dough: dissolve yeast in warm milk and wait until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, butter, and egg; mix to form a dough.
  3. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Let the dough rise: place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
  5. Prepare the filling: mix granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
  6. Shape the bread: punch down dough, roll to a 1/4-inch rectangle, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar.
  7. Roll the dough tightly and place seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
  8. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Notes

Cool and serve: let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.