Hey there, my friend 👋. You are about to make the best homemade cinnamon swirl bread ever. The soft, buttery dough wrapped around a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling is pure comfort food.
And guess what? You don’t need fancy baking skills to get that perfect swirl. I’ll show you how to do it step by step, so your bread turns out soft, sweet, and just right every single time.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Dough scraper (optional but helpful)
- Rolling pin
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife
- Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
- Cooling rack
Important Info
- Servings: 10 slices
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $5-$7, depending on ingredients you already have
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 3 hours (includes rising time)
- Calories per serving: 220
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Any season
- Courses: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
For the dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the cinnamon filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
For brushing:
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Bread flour |
| Granulated sugar | Honey (reduce by 1 tbsp) |
| Instant yeast | Active dry yeast (bloom in warm milk first) |
| Unsalted butter | Margarine or coconut oil |
| Brown sugar | White sugar + 1 tsp molasses |
| Milk | Almond milk or oat milk |
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it into a 9×15-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon mixture over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Roll it up: Starting from the short side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Second rise: Place the rolled dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover, and let it rise for another 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top with melted butter and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Helpful Tips
- If your yeast is not foaming in the warm milk, it might be expired. Use fresh yeast.
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast.
- Rolling the dough tightly ensures a neat swirl inside the bread.
- If the bread starts browning too quickly in the oven, tent it with foil.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from squishing.
What to Serve with Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread
You can eat this bread as is, but here are some tasty ideas:
- Spread with butter or cream cheese
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup
- Toast and serve with coffee or tea
- Make French toast with it
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
A serrated knife is the best for slicing cinnamon swirl bread without crushing it. If you want a little extra flavor, brush a slice with butter and warm it in a pan.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This bread is great for breakfast, brunch, or tea time. It’s also perfect for holiday mornings, especially during Christmas or Easter. You can even gift a fresh loaf to friends and family.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep the bread in an airtight container or a plastic bag.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration
- If you want it to last longer, store it in a sealed container in the fridge.
- It will stay fresh for up to 7 days. Warm it up before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
- Slice the bread and wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in a toaster before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can. Just dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the dough.
Why is my bread dense instead of soft?
Your dough may not have risen enough. Make sure you give it enough time to double in size. Also, check that your yeast is still active.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
How do I get a perfect swirl without gaps?
Roll the dough tightly and make sure to pinch the edges to seal. Also, don’t spread too much filling, or it can separate.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or yogurt.
Meta Description
This homemade cinnamon swirl bread recipe is soft, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Learn how to make it with simple ingredients and easy steps.