Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful treat that combines soft, fluffy homemade bread with a rich, buttery cinnamon sugar swirl. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this aromatic bread is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter.
3. Step 3: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and sugar.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
9. Step 9: Starting from one short end, roll the dough tightly into a log.
10. Step 10: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
11. Step 11: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Step 12: Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
13. Step 13: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough and better texture.
• Knead the dough until smooth and elastic to develop gluten for good structure.
• Roll the dough tightly to create a well-defined swirl and prevent filling leaks.
• Brush melted butter on warm bread for an extra indulgent touch.
• Add raisins or chopped nuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra texture.
• For a vegan option, replace butter with vegan margarine, milk with almond milk, and use flax eggs.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for additional warmth and flavor.
• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend freshness, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled to make two loaves.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, bread flour works well and will give the bread a slightly chewier texture.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Roll the dough tightly and pinch the seams and ends well to seal in the filling securely.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 73 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 slices 1x

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Description

Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a homemade soft and fluffy bread featuring a delicious buttery cinnamon sugar swirl throughout. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this bread offers a sweet and aromatic flavor with a beautiful swirl pattern that appeals to both kids and adults. The recipe involves yeast dough preparation, rolling with cinnamon sugar filling, and baking to golden perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Filling

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter. Mix to distribute the butter evenly.
3. Form the Dough: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms, slightly sticky but manageable.
4. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, giving the bread its structure.
5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
6. Roll Out Dough: Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle shape on a lightly floured surface to prepare it for the filling application.
7. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup granulated sugar to create the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Sprinkle Filling: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the entire rolled-out dough rectangle.
9. Roll Dough Log: Starting from one short end, roll the dough tightly into a log, ensuring a defined cinnamon swirl and preventing gaps.
10. Second Rise: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover it, and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffed.
11. Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Bake Bread: Bake the loaf for 35 to 40 minutes until it turns golden brown and, when tapped on the bottom, sounds hollow indicating it’s cooked through.
13. Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cool, slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• For added indulgence, brush melted butter over the bread right when it comes out of the oven for a shiny, richer crust.
• To reduce sweetness, decrease the amount of sugar in the cinnamon sugar filling according to your taste.
• For extra texture and flavor, add raisins or chopped nuts into the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cinnamon bread, cinnamon swirl bread, homemade bread, breakfast bread, sweet bread, yeast bread, cinnamon sugar bread