Name: Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (120ml) water, warmed to about 110°F (43°C); 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C); 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast (1 standard packet); 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, divided; 4 Tablespoons (1/4 cup; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut in 4 pieces; 3 cups (390g) bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 egg white, beaten; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 32 reviews

If you have a love for warm, comforting bakery treats at home, then this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. This bread combines a soft, tender crumb with a beautifully rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, creating slices bursting with flavor and a hint of sweet spice. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even as a delightful base for French toast, and the best part is you get to enjoy it freshly baked from your own kitchen, filling your home with that irresistible aroma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows ten small white bowls and glass measuring cups arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top left is a large white bowl filled with coarse flour. To the right of it is a small dark bowl with white granules and a small wooden spoon inside. Next to that is a white bowl holding several yellow cubes of butter. Below the flour is a small white bowl with ground brown spice, and next to it is a wooden bowl with dry yeast granules. In the middle right is a white egg placed on the surface. To the right of the egg is a small wooden bowl with white granulated sugar. At the bottom left is a white bowl filled with cocoa powder, and next to it are two glass measuring cups; one with milk and the other with water. Between the glass cups is a small white bowl with more white granulated sugar. Finally, at the bottom right is another white bowl with more yellow cubes of butter. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this recipe, every ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and that irresistible golden-brown crust. While the ingredient list might look simple, their careful combination results in a bread with soft fluffiness and a cinnamon swirl that’s just the right balance of sweet and spicy.

1/2 cup (120ml) water, warmed to about 110°F (43°C): Warmer temperature activates the yeast for a good rise.
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C): Adds richness and softens the bread crumb.
2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the bread rise.
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, divided: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast in the beginning.
4 Tablespoons (1/4 cup; 56g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the bread.
3 cups (390g) bread flour (spooned & leveled): Provides the structure and chewy texture vital for good bread.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
1 egg white, beaten: Used for brushing to help the cinnamon-sugar stick and help form a golden crust.
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the coveted swirl.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: For that classic warm and fragrant cinnamon flavor.
1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on top before baking for a beautiful golden finish.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Kick things off by whisking together warm water, warm milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in your stand mixer bowl. When you see that lovely foamy layer on top, you know the yeast is ready to go. Adding the rest of the sugar, butter, flour, and salt follows, mixing just enough to incorporate everything. This step sets the foundation for your dough’s texture and flavor.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Whether you opt for your stand mixer’s dough hook or your own hands, kneading is where the magic truly happens. Spend about 8 to 10 minutes making the dough smooth, elastic, and perfect for rising. The slight tackiness is a sign of soft dough, and performing the windowpane test will confirm if you’ve kneaded it just right.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it, letting it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This primary fermentation step develops the air pockets, making your bread wonderfully light in texture. Patience here pays off with a beautifully risen loaf.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

Mix together sugar and cinnamon to create the rich, fragrant swirl that’s the highlight of this bread. This simple combination transforms bites of soft bread into an extraordinary cinnamon treat.

Step 5: Shape the Dough and Add the Swirl

Roll out your risen dough into a rough rectangle, brush with beaten egg white, and sprinkle that cinnamon-sugar mix evenly while leaving a one-inch border. Rolling it up tightly and placing it seam-side down in your greased loaf pan sets the swirl in place so each slice reveals beautiful spirals of cinnamon bliss.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped loaf again to let it puff up until it rises about an inch over the pan’s edge. This second rise ensures your bread will have a soft and airy crumb, with the swirl fully baked into every slice.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake your loaf low in the oven for 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on the color and tent with foil if the top gets too brown. The toothsome aroma and golden crust tell you the bread is coming to life. Once it sounds hollow when tapped and reaches an internal temperature near 200°F (93°C), it’s ready to be cooled and enjoyed.

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

A loaf cake with three thick slices cut and laid out in front of the rest of the loaf on a white plate with a white marbled texture. The cake has a soft light yellow inside and a slightly darker crust around the edges. The top is covered with a smooth white icing that drips slightly over the sides, showing uneven texture where it settled. Two whole lemons, one cut in half showing its juicy interior, are placed beside the cake on the left. A pink cloth with white dots is partially visible on the right edge of the image. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze of vanilla icing can elevate your Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe, adding that extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish that makes it feel extra special when served.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit preserves, creamy butter, or a small bowl of warm custard. For a cozy breakfast or snack, a spread of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey amps up the indulgence perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a real showstopper, slice the bread thickly and toast it before layering with cream cheese and sliced strawberries for a fresh twist. Or transform leftovers into decadent French toast, soaking each slice until fluffy and crisping up golden on the skillet. The sticky cinnamon swirl shines in every creative interpretation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrapping your homemade loaf tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature will keep it fresh for up to 6 days. This way, you maintain that soft crumb and delicious cinnamon aroma without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe beyond a few days, slice the cooled bread and freeze wrapped slices in airtight bags. This easy freezer storage option lets you pop out single slices anytime for a quick, flavorful treat.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, toast frozen slices lightly or warm whole sections in the oven wrapped in foil at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. Adding a dab of butter after reheating will enhance the richness and soft texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

You can, but bread flour has a higher protein content which helps develop more gluten, giving your Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe that perfect chewy texture. Using all-purpose flour will work but might result in a slightly softer and less structured loaf.

Do I have to use whole milk, or can I substitute?

Whole milk adds richness and tenderness, but you can substitute with 2% or skim milk if needed. Just keep in mind that lower-fat milk may make the bread a tad less soft and moist.

Is it possible to make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Mixing and kneading by hand using a wooden spoon and then your hands is a great way to connect with the dough. It takes some elbow grease, but it’s super satisfying and works just as well to achieve a fabulous loaf.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. For precision, an instant-read thermometer reading between 195–200°F (90–93°C) in the center confirms it’s fully baked and perfectly moist inside.

Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?

Yes! Adding chopped nuts or raisins to the dough before the first rise can add wonderful texture and flavor. Just fold them in gently after kneading so they distribute evenly throughout the bread.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe is truly one of those special kitchen triumphs that feels like a warm hug in bread form. Baking it yourself means you get that irresistible aroma filling your home and the joy of slicing into swirls of cinnamon goodness any time you want. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked and making it over and over for family, friends, and those cozy mornings when you need a little something special.