Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread – Soft, Sweet, and Irresistible

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of homemade cinnamon swirl bread wafting through your kitchen. This delightful bread is soft, fluffy, and infused with a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl, making every slice absolutely irresistible. Whether you enjoy it toasted with butter, turned into French toast, or eaten straight from the loaf, this cinnamon swirl bread recipe is a must-try for any home baker.

If you love cinnamon rolls, you’ll adore this cinnamon swirl bread—it has the same warm, spiced sweetness but with a light and airy texture that makes it perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this easy homemade recipe and discover how you can create bakery-quality cinnamon swirl bread right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients for the Best Cinnamon Swirl Bread

For the Dough:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Egg Wash (Optional):

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon milk

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the flour. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

6. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
7. Melt butter and set aside.

Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough

8. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a 9×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
9. Brush the dough with melted butter and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it.
10. Roll the dough tightly from the short end into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.

Step 4: Second Rise and Baking

11. Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.
12. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash for a golden crust.
14. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

15. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
16. Slice and enjoy warm with butter, toasted, or as French toast!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• Soft and fluffy texture – perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
• Rich cinnamon sugar swirl that adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
• Versatile – eat it as is, toast it, or turn it into delicious French toast!

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with butter or honey for a comforting treat.
• Toasted with cream cheese for a tangy contrast.
• Turn into French toast for an indulgent breakfast.
• Drizzle with icing for a sweet cinnamon roll-like twist!

FAQs About Cinnamon Swirl Bread

1. Can I make this bread without yeast?

No, yeast is essential for achieving the soft, airy texture of this bread. However, you can try a quick bread version using baking powder or baking soda for a different texture.

2. How do I store cinnamon swirl bread?

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread for up to 3 months.

3. Can I add raisins or nuts to this bread?

Absolutely! Adding raisins, chopped pecans, or walnuts enhances the flavor and texture of the bread.

4. Why did my cinnamon swirl bread separate in layers?

This can happen if the dough is too loose or if there’s too much flour. Rolling the dough tightly and pinching the seams well can help prevent separation.

5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the texture will be denser. Try using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a balance between flavor and fluffiness.

Conclusion

Making homemade cinnamon swirl bread is an incredibly rewarding experience. With its soft, fluffy texture and sweet cinnamon sugar swirl, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a comforting dessert. Whether you eat it fresh out of the oven, toasted with butter, or turned into French toast, every bite is packed with warmth and flavor.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect cinnamon swirl bread recipe, this one is guaranteed to deliver bakery-quality results every time. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and start baking—it’s time to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of homemade cinnamon bread! 🍞✨

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