If you have a soft spot for sweet, aromatic breads that fill your kitchen with comforting scents, this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine slices of tender bread, beautifully rolled with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar creating a gorgeous swirl in every bite. It’s the perfect homemade treat for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even a cozy dessert. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to bake it over and over, sharing that warm, cinnamon goodness with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular sheet of rolled dough lies flat on a white marbled surface, covered evenly with a brown cinnamon and sugar mixture creating a textured, grainy layer. At the bottom edge, a woman’s hand is gently rolling the dough inward, making a smooth, tight cylinder starting to form. Around the dough, there are loose patches of cinnamon sugar sprinkled on the white marbled surface. To the upper right, there is a small white bowl filled with more cinnamon powder and a wooden spoon resting inside it. To the right of the dough roll, a wooden rolling pin with a light handle rests on the surface, and below it lies a round pizza cutter with a wooden handle. The scene captures the preparation stage of a cinnamon roll pastry. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe. Each component plays a key role in the texture, flavor, and overall success of the loaf, so having them ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

½ cup water (warmed): Activates the yeast while keeping your dough at the perfect temperature.
½ cup whole milk (warmed): Adds richness and tenderness to the bread’s crumb.
2 ¼ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise beautifully.
¼ cup sugar (divided): Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for that lovely rise.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Contributes moisture and flavor, ensuring a soft texture.
3 cups bread flour: Provides the structure your bread needs to develop a chewy crumb.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 egg white (beaten): Creates a sticky surface for the cinnamon sugar to cling to, boosting the swirl effect.
¼ cup sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the signature swirl inside the loaf.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Bursts of warm spice that make every bite memorable.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted): Brushed on top for a golden, shiny crust.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warmed water, milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in your stand mixer bowl. Let it sit loosely covered for about 5 to 10 minutes until it foams. This foam signals your yeast is ready to work its magic, giving your bread that amazing rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the remaining sugar, softened butter, 1 cup of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Beat on low speed briefly, then scrape down the sides to gather it all. Gradually incorporate more flour, mixing until the dough just comes together, even if you notice buttery chunks – they’ll knead into the dough in the next step.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

With the mixer still fitted with the dough hook, knead for 8 to 10 minutes. This step develops the gluten, giving your bread that perfect, chewy crumb. The dough should feel smooth and elastic by the end of this process.

Step 4: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl, place your dough inside, and coat it evenly. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, until it doubles in size. This rise is crucial for a light texture and helps enhance the flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Loaf Pan

Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easier removal later.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Whisk together the remaining ¼ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple blend is the heart of the swirl and will fill the bread with lovely pockets of spicy sweetness.

Step 7: Shape and Fill the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and lightly flour your surface, hands, and rolling pin. Roll the dough into an 8 by 20-inch rectangle. Brush it evenly with beaten egg white, then sprinkle generously with your cinnamon-sugar mixture. Carefully roll the dough into an 8-inch log, ensuring the swirl stays tight and even. Place the log seam-side down into your prepared loaf pan.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the loaf again and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it’s about an inch above the pan’s rim. This final rise ensures your bread will be soft and airy with a beautiful shape.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and adjust the rack to a lower position. Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter, which will help it develop a rich, golden crust. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, tenting with foil if it browns too quickly. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool briefly in the pan on a rack. Then, transfer it out of the pan and give it at least 10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, perfect slices that hold the stunning cinnamon swirl in place.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

A loaf of cinnamon swirl bread with a golden-brown top layer, showing a spiral pattern of cinnamon filling inside the light tan dough. The bread sits on white parchment paper on a wooden board, with a woman's hand sprinkling cinnamon powder from a metal shaker above it. There are cinnamon sticks and a small golden measuring cup to the side, with two vintage-style cream-handled utensils resting near the bread. The background and surface are white marble texture, bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze makes an elegant finishing touch, elevating your Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe from tasty to show-stopping. These simple garnishes add an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a smear of butter or cream cheese, or alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For brunch spreads, it’s a standout next to omelets, yogurt parfaits, or even savory dishes that contrast its sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try toasting thick slices for a delightfully crunchy exterior paired with molten cinnamon sugar inside, or use slices to make French toast for a festive breakfast. You can even cube it for bread pudding or serve alongside warm apple compote to bring out all the cozy flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and soft for up to two days, perfect for snacking or breakfast the next morning.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped in foil and placed inside a freezer bag. It can last up to three months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature for several hours or overnight, maintaining its fresh-baked charm.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a toaster or on a skillet for a warm, crisp outer crust that revives the bread’s texture beautifully. For a whole loaf, gently warm it in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, brushing with a bit of butter if you like a glossy finish.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but bread flour helps provide a chewier texture thanks to its higher protein content, which is perfect for this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe. Your bread might be a little softer with all-purpose flour, but still delicious.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Absolutely! The first rise allows the dough to develop flavor and volume, while the second rise helps the loaf puff up in the pan, yielding that tall, soft texture combined with the beautiful cinnamon swirl.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

This recipe is designed for hand-kneading or mixer kneading, especially since the cinnamon swirl is rolled in by hand. However, you could prepare the dough in a bread machine up until the first rise and then shape and complete the recipe as directed.

What if I don’t have whole milk on hand?

You can substitute whole milk with 2% or even skim milk, but whole milk adds richness and tenderness. If you use a lower-fat milk, your bread might be slightly less soft but still tasty.

How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar from leaking out?

Brushing the dough with the beaten egg white before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar helps it adhere well. Rolling the dough tightly, but gently, keeps the sugar mixture inside during baking, preserving those gorgeous swirls.

Final Thoughts

Nothing feels more comforting than homemade bread with a swirl of warm cinnamon, and this Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe delivers that joy with every slice. Whether you’re new to bread baking or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is approachable and sure to delight your taste buds. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this lovely bread — I promise it’ll become a treasured staple in your kitchen.