Cinnamon swirl bread is a timeless classic, known for its soft, pillowy texture and rich cinnamon-sugar filling that creates a beautiful swirl in every slice. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, this bread brings comfort and warmth to your table with its aromatic spices and irresistible flavor.
Why It’s a Favorite
This bread combines the best of sweet and spiced flavors. The buttery, tender crumb is elevated by the cinnamon-sugar filling that melts into a delightful swirl as it bakes. It’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight when sliced, showcasing the intricate spiral pattern.
A Treat for Any Time of Day
Whether toasted with butter for breakfast, paired with a cup of tea for an afternoon snack, or served as the base for a decadent French toast, cinnamon swirl bread fits every occasion. Its warm, inviting flavor also makes it a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
What Makes It Shine?
The signature swirl is created by rolling the dough with a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar filling. As it bakes, the filling caramelizes slightly, adding a sweet and spiced richness to the bread. A light glaze or dusting of powdered sugar on top enhances its appearance and flavor.
Ingredient Notes
Dough:
Milk: Provides moisture and tenderness to the bread.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a soft texture to the dough.
Instant Yeast: Leavens the bread, creating a light and fluffy crumb.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the bread while keeping it soft.
Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a good rise.
Filling:
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon swirl.
Cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic spice to the filling.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the filling and prevents it from spilling out during baking.
Egg Wash (Egg + Water): Acts as a glue for the filling layers and gives the bread a golden, glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy cinnamon swirl bread warm, slathered with butter, or spread with cream cheese. For a dessert twist, toast it and add a drizzle of honey or caramel. It also makes incredible French toast or bread pudding for a special weekend breakfast.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Roll the dough tightly: This ensures a defined swirl and prevents gaps.
Avoid overloading the filling: Too much can cause the swirl to separate or leak.
Use a sharp knife for slicing: It keeps the swirl intact and prevents tearing.
Cinnamon swirl bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining sweet, spiced flavors with a soft, tender texture. It’s a bake that not only fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of cinnamon but also fills your heart with joy in every slice.
Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup milk
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ Tsp instant yeast 1 envelope
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ Tsp fine sea salt
For the filling:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ Tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tsp all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tbsp water
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, combine the milk and butter. Heat in the microwave for about 1 minute until the mixture reaches around 115℉—no need for the butter to completely melt.
- Pour the warmed milk mixture into a large bowl. Add the remaining dough ingredients and mix until it starts coming together into a slightly shaggy dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, working it until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise at room temperature for about 1 hour or until it’s nearly doubled in size. To check, press your finger gently into the dough—if it slowly springs back, it’s ready. If it doesn’t, give it a bit more time.
Make the Filling:
- While the dough rises, stir together the sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
Shape and Fill the Dough:
- Lightly grease your work surface and pat the dough into a 6" x 20" rectangle.
- Brush the surface of the dough with the egg wash, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over it.
- Starting at one of the short ends, roll the dough into a log, sealing the edges and pinching the seam tightly closed.
- Place the dough, seam-side down, into a greased 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pan. Loosely cover with greased plastic wrap and let it rise until it’s about 1 inch above the rim of the pan. This should take about an hour, but if it’s slower, be patient—it’s worth the wait!
Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F while the bread rises.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, keeping an eye on the crust. If it’s browning too quickly, lightly tent it with foil to prevent over-browning. The bread is done when the crust is golden and a thermometer reads 190°F inside.
- Remove the bread from the oven and run a spatula or knife around the edges to loosen it. Carefully turn the bread out of the pan and brush the top with butter for a soft, shiny crust.
- Let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into it. Enjoy!
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