There’s nothing better than the aroma of fresh Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread baking in the oven! This soft, fluffy bread is filled with a warm, buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl, making it perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even French toast. It’s surprisingly easy to make and well worth the effort!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Bread
✔ Soft & Fluffy – A tender homemade bread with a sweet cinnamon swirl.
✔ Better Than Store-Bought – Freshly baked, with no preservatives!
✔ Perfect for Any Time of Day – Enjoy as toast, with butter, or even as dessert.
✔ Great for Gifting – Makes a beautiful homemade treat for family and friends.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Bread
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
For the Egg Wash (Optional):
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk (for a golden crust)
Tools You’ll Need
✔ Large mixing bowl
✔ Stand mixer (optional)
✔ Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
✔ Rolling pin
✔ Pastry brush
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and activated yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on low speed for about 5 minutes.)
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
Step 4: Roll & Fill the Dough
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 9×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Tightly roll the dough from the short end into a log, sealing the seam by pinching it.
Step 5: Second Rise & Bake
- Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, seam-side down. Cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- (Optional) Brush the top with egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Step 6: Cool & Enjoy!
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve with butter, honey, or cream cheese!
Serving Suggestions
With Honey or Jam – Spread with butter and drizzle with honey.
French Toast – Use thick slices to make cinnamon swirl French toast.
With Coffee or Tea – A perfect sweet companion to your morning drink.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Swirl Bread
✔ Use Warm Milk – Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it.
✔ Roll Tightly – Prevents gaps in the swirl while baking.
✔ Don’t Overfill with Cinnamon – Too much filling can cause the layers to separate.
✔ Check for Doneness – If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Storage & Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Refrigerate: Not recommended, as it can dry out the bread.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this bread without yeast?
A: Yeast is needed for the fluffy texture, but you can try a quick bread version using baking powder instead.
Q2: Can I add raisins or nuts to the filling?
A: Yes! Add ½ cup of raisins or chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor.
Q3: How do I make a glaze for the bread?
A: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk and drizzle over the cooled loaf for a sweet finish.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Homemade Treat!
This Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread is soft, warm, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Did you make this recipe? Share your baking photos and tag us—we’d love to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (per slice)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
Enjoy every warm, sweet, and fluffy bite!
Print
Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Description
There’s nothing better than the aroma of fresh Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread baking in the oven! This soft, fluffy bread is filled with a warm, buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl, making it perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even French toast. It’s surprisingly easy to make and well worth the effort!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
For the Egg Wash (Optional):
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk (for a golden crust)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and activated yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on low speed for about 5 minutes.)
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
Step 4: Roll & Fill the Dough
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 9×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Tightly roll the dough from the short end into a log, sealing the seam by pinching it.
Step 5: Second Rise & Bake
- Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, seam-side down. Cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- (Optional) Brush the top with egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Step 6: Cool & Enjoy!
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve with butter, honey, or cream cheese!
Notes
- Use Warm Milk – Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it.
- Roll Tightly – Prevents gaps in the swirl while baking.
- Don’t Overfill with Cinnamon – Too much filling can cause the layers to separate.
- Check for Doneness – If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American
