Bread machine cinnamon bread is a classic, sweet, and aromatic loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Using a 2lb bread machine makes it incredibly simple to achieve a soft crumb and beautiful swirl, with minimal hands-on work. This recipe delivers a bakery-style loaf right from your kitchen, filling your home with the irresistible scent of cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 cups (480 g) bread flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: 1/2 cup (75 g) raisins or chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the bread machine: Ensure your bread pan and kneading blade are clean and in place. Set the machine to the “Dough” cycle.
- Add ingredients in order: Pour the warm milk into the pan, followed by the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Add the bread flour on top, then make a small well in the flour and add the yeast (keeping it separate from the salt and liquid).
- Start the dough cycle: Close the lid and start the “Dough” cycle. Allow the machine to mix, knead, and rise the dough. This will typically take 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your model.
- Prepare the cinnamon filling: While the dough is rising, mix 1/3 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Shape and fill the dough: When the cycle ends, remove the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently press it into a rectangle about 9×18 inches. Spread the softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. If using, sprinkle raisins or walnuts on top.
- Roll and shape: Starting from a short end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam and ends to seal.
- Return to pan for second rise: Place the log seam side down in the cleaned bread pan. Gently press to fit, if needed. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Bake in the bread machine: Set your machine to the “Bake” or “Bake Only” cycle (usually 50-60 minutes for a 2lb loaf). Alternatively, if your bread machine has a “Sweet” or “Basic” cycle with a pause for add-ins, you can let the machine do all the work, but the swirl effect is best with the manual shaping method.
- Check doneness: The loaf is done when deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, or registers 190°F (88°C) internal temperature. If needed, add a few minutes to the bake cycle.
- Cool and slice: Remove the loaf from the pan immediately and cool on a wire rack at least 30 minutes before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
Tips
- Substitutions: If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour can be used, but the loaf will be slightly less chewy. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and use vegan butter.
- Prevent gaps: Roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam firmly to avoid large air pockets in your swirl.
- Raisins and nuts: If adding, ensure they are spread evenly to avoid clumping. Chopped pecans or dried cranberries are also delicious alternatives.
- Don’t rush the cooling: Slicing too soon can make the bread gummy. Allowing it to cool fully helps it set and slice cleanly.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy slices toasted with butter or cream cheese for a cozy breakfast.
- Make decadent French toast or bread pudding using thick slices.
- Serve alongside coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat.
- Pair with a fruit compote or fresh berries for a special brunch.
Variations
- Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl: Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.
- Whole Wheat: Substitute up to half the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf (add 1-2 tablespoons extra milk if dough seems dry).
- Orange Zest: Add 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a citrusy note.
Storage and Reheating
After the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or gently warm in a toaster or oven at 325°F (163°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid refrigerating, as this can dry out the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe entirely in the bread machine, without removing the dough?
- Yes, you can add the cinnamon-sugar mixture and any raisins during the machine’s “add-in” beep, but the swirl will be less defined and more marbled. For a classic swirl, shaping by hand gives the best results.
- What if my bread collapses or has a dense texture?
- This can be caused by too much liquid, not enough flour, or expired yeast. Measure ingredients carefully and ensure your yeast is active. Bread flour also gives better structure than all-purpose flour.
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
- Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. It can be added directly with the flour, and you may find the dough rises a little faster.
- How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from separating from the bread?
- Rolling the dough tightly and pinching the seam and ends to seal helps. Also, avoid using too much butter in the filling, as excess fat can create separation. Allowing the dough to rise fully before baking also helps the swirl adhere.
- Can I double this recipe for a larger bread machine?
- This recipe is designed for a 2lb bread machine, which is the largest most home machines accommodate. Overfilling can cause overflow and uneven baking, so do not double for a single loaf. If you have a commercial-sized machine, check its manual for capacity guidelines.
- Is there a way to reduce the sugar for a less sweet bread?
- Yes, you can reduce the sugar in both the dough and filling by about one-third without affecting texture, though the bread will be less sweet and aromatic. Consider increasing cinnamon slightly for flavor balance.
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Bread Machine Cinnamon Bread Recipes 2lb: Easy, Soft & Swirled