If you’re craving a comforting homemade cinnamon bread, this recipe delivers soft, pillowy dough swirled with warm cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet glaze. Each bite is tender, slightly sweet, and perfectly spiced, making it ideal for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or holiday treats. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with cozy, bakery-like vibes.
This easy-to-follow recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a rich, flavorful bread that’s both beautiful and delicious. Whether you enjoy it warm with coffee, or sliced for sandwiches and desserts, this cinnamon bread is sure to impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Soft & Fluffy: Perfectly tender dough that melts in your mouth.
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Warm Cinnamon Flavor: Sweet, aromatic swirl that delights every bite.
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Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love it.
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Glaze Option: Adds extra sweetness and a professional finish.
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Perfect for Brunch: Great for holiday mornings or weekend treats.
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Easy to Make: Simple steps and basic ingredients.
Ingredient Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the bread, giving it a soft, fluffy texture.
Active Dry Yeast: Leavens the dough, helping it rise beautifully.
Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps yeast activation.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Warm Milk: Activates yeast and keeps the bread soft.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the dough and the filling.
Eggs: Provide structure and tenderize the bread.
Brown Sugar: Used in the filling for a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Gives the signature warm, spicy flavor.
Powdered Sugar & Vanilla: Optional glaze adds sweetness and shine.
Pro Tips
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Temperature Matters: Use warm (not hot) milk to activate yeast properly.
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Don’t Overmix: Over-kneading can make the bread tough; knead until smooth and elastic.
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Uniform Rolls: Cut evenly to ensure consistent baking.
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Butter First: Spread softened butter before cinnamon sugar for better flavor penetration.
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Check Doneness: Bread is done when golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
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Milk Alternatives: Almond, oat, or soy milk can replace cow’s milk.
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Sugar Variations: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used in the filling.
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Flavor Twists: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
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Chocolate Option: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips along with cinnamon sugar.
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Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum if needed.
Serving Suggestions
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Breakfast: Serve warm with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
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Snack or Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Holiday Table: A beautiful centerpiece for Christmas, Easter, or brunch gatherings.
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Sandwich Bread: Slice thin and layer with cream cheese or nut butter for a sweet snack.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
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Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to refresh softness.
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Freezing: Wrap cooled rolls in plastic wrap and foil, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
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Prep Ahead: Dough can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked the next morning.
Cultural Notes
Cinnamon bread has long been a beloved comfort food in American and European baking traditions. Its sweet, spiced filling and soft texture make it a favorite for weekend breakfasts, brunches, and holiday gatherings. The simple combination of yeast dough, cinnamon sugar, and butter reflects classic home baking that’s approachable yet indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, use a flaxseed or chia egg substitute for a vegan version, though the texture will be slightly denser.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans.
Do I need the glaze?
No, it’s optional. The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds sweetness and a glossy finish.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, dough can be refrigerated overnight before the second rise. Bake in the morning for fresh cinnamon bread.
How do I store leftover bread?
Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or foil. Store at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. Add eggs and salt, then gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1–1.5 hours).
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Punch down the dough and roll into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter on top and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Roll dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices (1–1.5 inches thick).
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm cinnamon bread before serving.