This Cinnamon Swirl Bread is what breakfast dreams are made of. It’s tender, buttery, and layered with a beautiful cinnamon-sugar swirl that bakes up golden, aromatic, and slightly sticky at the edges. Whether you’re toasting it with a smear of butter, drizzling it with icing, or enjoying it straight from the oven, every slice is pure comfort.
Why I Love This Recipe
Few things beat the aroma of homemade bread wafting through the kitchen—especially when cinnamon is involved. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between pillowy-soft bread and a rich, cinnamon-sugar swirl that doesn’t overpower. It’s ideal for weekend baking, holiday brunches, or just because you deserve something warm and sweet.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Rise Time: 1 hour + 45 minutes
🔥 Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
🍽️ Makes: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a dough forms.
2. Knead
Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
3. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for the swirl. Set aside.
4. Shape the Bread
Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 9×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
5. Roll It Up
Roll the dough tightly from the short end. Pinch the seam to seal and tuck the ends under. Place into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Final Rise
Cover the loaf and let rise for 45 minutes, or until puffy and just above the rim of the pan.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
8. Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Use warm—not hot—milk to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Don’t skip the kneading—it’s what gives the bread its soft, chewy texture.
- Tightly roll the dough to avoid gaps in your swirl.
- Let it cool fully before slicing to keep the swirl intact and the texture perfect.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Enjoy with a glass of Blueberry Lemonade for a sweet morning treat.
- Toast slices and spread with cream cheese or cinnamon butter.
- Make a killer French toast with leftover slices.
- Serve with One-Pan Breakfast Bake for a full brunch spread.
- Pair with No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls for a sweet-and-savory snack plate.
- End brunch with Copycat Neiman Marcus Cookies.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months—perfect for future breakfast cravings.
- Reheat slices in the toaster or warm briefly in the oven.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- These Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies Are My Secret Weapon Dessert
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
- These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack to Keep On Hand
- These 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies Are My Morning Time Saver
- This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Swirl Bread brings warmth, sweetness, and comfort in every slice. It’s a go-to bake for weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or cozy afternoons with coffee. With its soft crumb and ribbon of cinnamon tucked inside, this bread is guaranteed to become a repeat recipe in your kitchen.
Tried it? Snap a photo, tag @ChefManiac, and show off your sweet swirl!
