Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful treat that fills your kitchen with warm, spicy aromas. This soft, slightly sweet bread features a beautiful cinnamon-sugar swirl, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water along with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and softened butter.
3. Step 3: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar together.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
9. Step 9: Starting from one short end, roll the dough tightly into a log.
10. Step 10: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover it, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
11. Step 11: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Step 12: Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
13. Step 13: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, brush the dough with melted butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar.
• Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar for a crunchy twist.
• Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer cinnamon swirl.
• Make individual rolls with the same dough for portable cinnamon buns.

Storage

Store the Cinnamon Swirl Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or oven until soft and fragrant.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Since it doesn’t need to be activated in water first, mix it directly into the dry ingredients and adjust rising times as needed.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 112 reviews

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful homemade yeast bread featuring a soft, tender crumb filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl. Its comforting aroma and warm, flavorful layers make it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (serves 8 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Cinnamon Swirl Filling

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and softened unsalted butter.
3. Form the dough: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten and gives structure.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
6. Shape the dough: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface to prepare for the cinnamon swirl.
7. Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, mix ground cinnamon and granulated sugar evenly.
8. Apply the filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough rectangle.
9. Roll the dough: Starting from one short end, tightly roll the dough into a log to create the swirl effect.
10. Second rise: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes to become puffy.
11. Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
12. Bake the bread: Bake the dough-in-loaf pan for 35-40 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and is cooked through.
13. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and enjoy the warm cinnamon swirl bread.

Notes

• Use warm water (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
• Kneading the dough thoroughly is essential for good texture and rise.
• Ensure the first rise is done in a warm draft-free environment for optimum yeast activity.
• For a more pronounced cinnamon swirl, feel free to increase cinnamon or sugar slightly.
• The bread tastes best when served slightly warm, fresh from the oven or reheated gently.

Keywords: cinnamon swirl bread, homemade bread, yeast bread, cinnamon sugar bread, sweet bread, breakfast bread