This homemade cinnamon bread is a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With a soft, fluffy texture and a swirl of sweet cinnamon filling, it’s sure to please everyone in the family.
The recipe is simple and requires basic baking techniques. You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter for an extra indulgence.
Creating the Perfect Cinnamon Bread
Making cinnamon bread at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. The process begins with a simple dough that transforms into a delightful loaf with a beautiful swirl of cinnamon and sugar.
Start by gathering your ingredients, which include all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, melted butter, an egg, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor.
The Dough: A Foundation of Flavor
The dough is the heart of your cinnamon bread. Begin by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl, allowing it to froth. This step activates the yeast, ensuring your bread rises beautifully.
Once frothy, add melted butter, an egg, and salt, then gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Kneading the dough for about 5-7 minutes is essential; this develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure and softness.
Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
After the dough has risen and doubled in size, it’s time to create that signature cinnamon swirl. Roll the dough out into a rectangle and spread softened butter over the surface. This step not only adds richness but also helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere.
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough. The combination of these two ingredients is what makes each slice of bread a delightful treat.
Shaping and Rising
Once the filling is in place, roll the dough tightly from one long side to form a log. Pinch the seams to seal in the delicious filling. Place the log seam-side down in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again. This second rise is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture.
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation of baking fills the air with excitement as you prepare for the final step.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. This is the moment when your hard work pays off, and the delightful aroma fills your home.
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period helps maintain the bread’s structure and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions and Enjoyment
Once cooled, slice the bread to reveal the stunning cinnamon swirl inside. Serve it warm with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor. This cinnamon bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted, each bite offers a comforting taste of home. Share it with family and friends, or savor it yourself as a special treat. The joy of homemade cinnamon bread is truly unmatched.
Easy Cinnamon Bread Recipe
This cinnamon bread features a rich dough infused with warm cinnamon and sugar, creating a delicious swirl throughout. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Shape the Bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Roll and Bake: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal. Place the log seam-side down in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g