Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful homemade treat featuring a soft, tender crumb wrapped around a sweet cinnamon sugar filling. Topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water (about 110-115ºF)
• 3/4 cup 2% milk (about 110-115ºF)
• 1 packet instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 1/3 cups bread flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
• 1 large egg white (whisked)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon salted butter (melted, for frosting)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour the warm water and milk into a stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 3 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Step 2: Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, bread flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix with the paddle attachment until combined. Replace with the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 9 inches by 18 inches (or matching your loaf pan length).
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Brush the rolled-out dough with the whisked egg white, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Starting at the 9-inch side, roll the dough tightly.
6. Step 6: Place the rolled dough seam side down into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes, then remove and cool on a wire rack.
8. Step 8: While the bread cools, prepare the frosting by whisking together powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth. Adjust cream to your desired consistency. Once the bread is mostly cool, spread or drizzle the frosting on top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Use bread flour for a chewier texture, or all-purpose flour for a lighter crumb.
• Brush the loaf with melted butter right after baking for a softer crust.
• Swap heavy cream in the frosting for milk or almond milk if preferred.

Storage

Store the cinnamon swirl bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped bread for up to one month. To reheat, warm slices gently in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in the warm water and milk mixture and allow it to activate for 5-10 minutes until frothy before proceeding with the recipe.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when it has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190ºF confirms it is fully baked.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 71 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x

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Description

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread combines a soft, fluffy bread base with a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl and a creamy vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack, this recipe uses a stand mixer for easy kneading and baking in the oven until golden brown. The luscious vanilla-cream frosting adds the perfect finishing touch to this classic, comforting treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough

• 1/2 cup warm water (about 110-115ºF)
• 3/4 cup 2% milk (about 110-115ºF)
• 1 packet instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 1/3 cups bread flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg white (whisked)

For the Vanilla Cream Frosting

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon salted butter (melted)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: Pour the warm water and milk into a stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 3 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dough: Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, bread flour, and salt to the mixing bowl. Use the paddle attachment to combine ingredients, then switch to the dough hook to knead the dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 9″ by 18″ rectangle, matching the length of your loaf pan for even baking and loaf shape.
5. Prepare Filling and Layer: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to make the cinnamon sugar mixture. Brush the rolled dough with the whisked egg white, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough. Starting at the 9″ edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
6. Second Rise: Place the rolled dough seam side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and allow it to rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
8. Prepare Frosting: While the bread cools, combine powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth, adding more cream if necessary to reach a drizzleable consistency.
9. Glaze Bread: Once the bread is mostly cool to the touch, spread or drizzle the vanilla cream frosting over the top. Let the frosting set slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Ensure liquids are warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Rolling the dough tightly is key to achieving a beautiful cinnamon swirl throughout the loaf.
• If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for 10-12 minutes until smooth.
• Allow the bread to cool sufficiently before glazing to prevent the frosting from melting off.
• The frosting consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less heavy cream depending on whether you prefer a thick glaze or a drizzle.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cinnamon swirl bread, cinnamon bread, breakfast bread, homemade bread, cinnamon sugar bread, sweet bread loaf, vanilla glaze bread