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Cozy Cinnamon Swirl Bread

cozy cinnamon swirl bread - featured image

A soft, pillowy homemade loaf with generous cinnamon sugar swirls, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp (43g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional Glaze:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp milk or cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk (110°F/43°C) with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead on medium speed with the dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead by hand on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside the softened butter for spreading.
  5. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough gently. Roll it out into a 12×16 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
  6. Form the Swirl: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed and tuck the ends under. Place the loaf seam-side down into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy and just above the rim of the pan.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  9. Cool and Glaze: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. If desired, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze and drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Notes

Use a warm spot for rising dough to help yeast activate properly. If dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add a splash of milk. Tent bread with foil if browning too fast. Let bread cool before slicing for best texture. Optional glaze adds extra sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon bread, cinnamon swirl bread, homemade bread, soft bread, breakfast bread, easy bread recipe, cinnamon sugar bread