Soft Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Cozy Cinnamon Bread Recipe: Warm Slices of Sweet Comfort

Warm, fragrant aromas of soft cinnamon bread waft through kitchens, promising comfort in every slice.

This beloved recipe delivers pure baking magic with minimal effort.

Tender, pillowy textures emerge from a simple blend of pantry staples.

Swirls of sweet spice dance gracefully throughout each golden-brown loaf.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful treat without stress.

The cinnamon-infused creation brings cheerful moments to breakfast tables and afternoon snack times.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant family favorite that sparks joy with every warm, delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes In Cinnamon Bread

For Yeast Activation:
  • Warm Milk: Crucial for yeast awakening, ensuring soft and fluffy texture.
  • Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps with fermentation process.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Living microorganism that makes bread rise and provides airy structure.
For Dough Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of bread, providing structure and tender crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
  • Egg: Adds richness, helps bind ingredients, and creates golden color.
  • Unsalted Butter: Brings moisture and luxurious flavor to bread.
For Cinnamon Filling and Topping:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates sweet layers and caramelized undertones.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, aromatic flavor and classic swirl effect.
  • Softened Butter: Helps distribute cinnamon sugar and creates smooth filling layer.

Tools You’ll Need For Cinnamon Bread

  • Mixing Bowls: Large bowl for dough and small bowl for yeast mixture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Stand Mixer or Dough Hook: Helps knead dough efficiently, though hand-kneading works too.
  • Loaf Pan (9×5-inch): Creates perfect bread shape and size.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps roll out dough into a smooth rectangle.
  • Clean Kitchen Towel: Covers dough during rising periods.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly without getting soggy.
  • Pastry Brush: Optional for spreading melted butter on top.
  • Aluminum Foil: Used to prevent over-browning during baking.

How To Make Cinnamon Bread At Home

  • Awaken The Yeast

Stir warm milk with sugar and yeast, letting it bubble and bloom for several minutes until foamy and fragrant.

  • Create The Dough

Mix flour and salt in a spacious bowl. Pour in the activated yeast, melted butter, and egg. Blend thoroughly until a soft, pliable dough emerges. Knead on a lightly dusted surface until smooth and stretchy.

  • Allow First Rise

Transfer dough to a greased container, drape with a soft cloth, and nestle in a cozy spot for roughly 90 minutes until it doubles in volume.

  • Build Cinnamon Layer

Combine sugars and ground cinnamon in a small dish, creating a sweet, spicy mixture.

  • Shape And Roll

Gently flatten risen dough into a rectangular canvas. Spread softened butter across the surface, then generously dust with the cinnamon sugar blend. Roll tightly from the shorter edge, pressing seams to seal.

  • Prepare For Baking

Situate the rolled dough seam-side down in a buttered loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for about 40 minutes.

  • Bake To Perfection

Heat oven to 350F. Slide the pan inside and bake until golden and aromatic, roughly 35 minutes. Shield with foil if top browns too quickly.

  • Finish And Serve

Brush with melted butter, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar. Cool briefly, then slice and savor the warm, fragrant bread.

Tips To Spice Up Cinnamon Bread

  • Perfect Rise Secrets: Keep your dough warm by placing it near a preheated oven or in a slightly warmed oven with the light on to ensure optimal rising.
  • Texture Rescue Tip: If your bread seems dense, ensure your yeast is fresh and active, and knead the dough thoroughly to develop proper gluten structure.
  • Flavor Boosters: Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free bread flour blend and add xanthan gum to help maintain the bread's structure and texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough the night before, do the first rise in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature before the second rise and baking for maximum convenience.

Serve Cinnamon Bread Warm And Sweet

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm cinnamon bread with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat that comforts and energizes.
  • Decadent Dessert Transformation: Slice the bread, toast lightly, and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner dessert.
  • Brunch Showstopper Platter: Create a beautiful brunch spread by arranging slices of cinnamon bread alongside fresh berries, cream cheese spread, and a selection of jams for guests to enjoy.
  • Weekend Gifting Delight: Wrap a cooled loaf in parchment paper and tie with a rustic ribbon for a homemade gift that will make friends and family feel extra special.

Storage Advice For Cinnamon Bread

  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Allow the cinnamon bread to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before slicing, ensuring the interior texture sets perfectly and prevents crumbling.
  • Refrigeration Method: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, which maintains moisture and freshness for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator at 40°F.
  • Freezing Technique: Cut bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, and place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bread stays delicious for up to 2 months when sealed properly.
  • Reheating Hack: Revive refrigerated or frozen slices by warming in a toaster oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, which restores the bread's soft texture and enhances the cinnamon aroma.
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Soft Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Soft Cinnamon Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon bread combines warm spices and tender crumb for a comforting classic. Bakers can enjoy simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that promise delightful results you’ll savor slice by slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups/720 ml all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 packet/2 ¼ tsps/11 ml active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup/50 g granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup/70 g granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup/70 g brown sugar
  • 1 cup/240 ml warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup/60 ml unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup/60 ml unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp/5 ml salt
  • 2 tbsps/30 ml ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp/15 ml melted butter
  • 1 tbsp/15 ml cinnamon sugar

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast with warm milk and sugar in a small bowl, allowing the mixture to foam and become bubbly for 5-7 minutes.
  2. Dough Preparation: Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, roughly 1 hour.
  4. Filling Creation: Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
  5. Dough Shaping: Punch down the risen dough and roll into a rectangular shape. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle the entire surface with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  6. Rolling and Positioning: Tightly roll the dough from the shorter side, pinch the seam to seal, and place in a greased loaf pan with the sealed side facing down.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rise again until puffy, approximately 45 minutes.
  8. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Baking Process: Bake the loaf until golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. If browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
  10. Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and brush with melted butter, then sprinkle additional cinnamon-sugar if desired. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Activate Yeast Precisely: Use warm milk (110-115°F) to ensure yeast blooms correctly without killing the microorganisms. Cold or hot liquid can prevent proper fermentation.
  • Knead with Patience: Develop gluten strength by kneading dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Proper kneading creates better bread texture and rise.
  • Control Rising Environment: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot around 80-85°F for optimal proofing. Cover with damp cloth to prevent surface from drying out.
  • Prevent Overbrowning: Watch bread closely during baking and tent with foil if top browns too quickly. This ensures even cooking without burning the crust.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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