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Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Soft, fluffy homemade bread with ribbons of sweet cinnamon sugar swirled throughout, perfect for breakfast or snacking.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf (12 slices)
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 245

Ingredients
  

Bread Dough
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast 2 1/4 tsp
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup whole milk warmed to 110°F
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 egg large, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Filling
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.33 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Rolling pin
  • Wire rack
  • Kitchen thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk (110°F), melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides and is slightly tacky to touch.
  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  7. Mix both sugars, cinnamon, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until a thick paste forms.
  8. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll into a 9x18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  9. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides.
  10. Tightly roll the dough from the short end into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
  11. Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 45-60 minutes.
  12. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) during the final 15 minutes of the second rise.
  13. Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter or egg wash for a golden finish.
  14. Bake for 35-40 minutes until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F.
  15. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze sliced for up to 3 months. Perfect for French toast or toasted with butter.