Cinnamon Swirl Bread
About This Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Cinnamon swirl bread is pure comfort food - soft, fluffy white bread with ribbons of cinnamon sugar swirled throughout. Every slice reveals a beautiful spiral pattern, and when toasted, the cinnamon sugar caramelizes slightly, creating irresistible sweet spots.
What Makes This Cinnamon Swirl Bread Special
This bread is perfect for breakfast toast, makes incredible French toast, or can be enjoyed plain as a sweet snack. The dough is enriched with butter, milk, and eggs, creating a tender, slightly sweet bread similar to brioche.
Key Techniques for Success
Rolling the cinnamon sugar into the dough creates those signature swirls. A simple glaze drizzled over the cooled loaf adds extra sweetness and makes it look bakery-perfect.
Perfect for Every Occasion
While it requires some time for rising, the active work is minimal, and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing as it bakes.
Ingredients
- 480g (4 cups) All-purpose flour
- 240ml (1 cup) Whole milk, warmed
- 75g (⅓ cup) Granulated sugar
- 60g (¼ cup) Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 Large eggs
- 2¼ tsp Instant yeast
- 1 tsp Salt
- 150g (¾ cup) Brown sugar (for filling)
- 2 tbsp Cinnamon (for filling)
- 3 tbsp Butter, melted (for filling)
- 120g (1 cup) Powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp Milk (for glaze)
Quick Info
- Total Time:
- 180 min
- Difficulty:
- Medium
- Servings:
- 16
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- 2
Add eggs, butter, salt, and 2 cups flour. Mix until combined, then gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- 3
Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1-1½ hours until doubled.
- 4
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- 5
Punch down dough and roll into a 9x20 inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- 6
Starting from a short end, roll up tightly. Pinch seam to seal. Place seam-side down in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- 7
Cover and let rise 45-60 minutes until dough rises about 1 inch above the pan.
- 8
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 9
Bake 32-37 minutes until golden brown. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
- 10
Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk and drizzle over warm bread.
Pro Tips
- •Roll the dough tightly to create defined swirls without gaps.
- •Don't overfill with cinnamon sugar or it may leak out during baking.
- •If cinnamon sugar starts to fall out while rolling, just press it back in.
- •Bread is best enjoyed within 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
Add raisins to the filling for cinnamon raisin bread. Use cardamom instead of cinnamon for a unique flavor. Make cinnamon rolls by slicing before the second rise.
