There is something irresistibly comforting about a fresh loaf of cinnamon-swirled bread coming straight from your oven, and this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe is exactly that cozy, warm hug in bread form. Soft, tender, and rich with cinnamon-sugar swirls that melt into each slice, this bread takes classic flavors to a whole new level of homemade goodness. If you’ve ever wanted to bake bread that looks as delightful as it tastes, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite to enjoy for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several slices of cinnamon swirl bread are spread out on a white marbled surface, showing soft, light tan bread with a darker brown cinnamon swirl running through each slice in a spiral pattern. The edges of the bread slices have a golden brown crust. Near the bread, two cinnamon sticks rest on the surface, and a small white plate with speckled brown dots holds a chunk of butter in the upper right corner. The bread looks fluffy and fresh, arranged casually with one slice slightly torn. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this bread begins with simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create fantastic texture, flavor, and that beautiful golden crust. Each component plays its own important role, from the warmth of milk and water helping activate the yeast to the richness of butter making the bread extra tender.

Warm water (1/2 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast to get your dough rising perfectly.
Warm whole milk (1/2 cup, 110°F): Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
Instant or active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The essential leavening agent that makes your bread rise.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, divided): Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons softened + 1 tablespoon melted): Brings rich flavor and soft crumb texture.
Bread flour (3 cups, plus more as needed): Provides the structure and chewiness of the loaf.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavor and strengthens the dough.
Egg white (1, beaten): Helps the cinnamon-sugar topping adhere beautifully.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star spice of the swirl, giving that iconic warm flavor.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together warm water, warm milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in your stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand. Let this sit for 5–10 minutes until it’s frothy—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic. Then, add the remaining sugar, soft butter, 1 cup of flour, and salt, mixing gently at first, gradually incorporating the flour in stages. Keep mixing until the dough begins to clump together, adding flour carefully if it feels too wet.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Whether you’re using your mixer’s dough hook or your own hands, knead this dough for about 8–10 minutes. Kneading develops the gluten network, which gives your bread that beautiful texture. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but still manageable. If it feels sticky, sprinkle flour sparingly on your surface or hands. To check if the dough is ready, try the windowpane test—stretch a small piece until you see light through it without tearing.

Step 3: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl and place your dough inside, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1.5 to 2 hours until it doubles in size. This rise is crucial to developing flavor and lightness in your bread.

Step 4: Shape the Dough and Add the Cinnamon Swirl

Once risen, punch down the dough gently, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a roughly 8 by 20-inch rectangle. Brush with beaten egg white, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a small border. Roll the dough tightly into an 8-inch log and place it seam-side down in a greased loaf pan. Don’t forget to sprinkle any extra cinnamon sugar on top—it’s pure gold once baked.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the loaf and let it rise again for another hour until it’s puffed up about an inch above the pan’s edge. Before baking, brush the top with melted butter for a golden finish. Bake at 350°F on a lower oven rack for 35–45 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped, or an internal temperature of 195–200°F is reached. Tent with foil if the top browns too fast.

Step 6: Cooling

Allow your bread to cool in the pan briefly, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool fully before slicing. This helps set the crumb and makes cutting cleaner slices.

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

The image shows a stack of seven slices of cinnamon swirl bread arranged closely together on a wooden board with a warm brown tone. Each slice has a visible dark brown spiral of cinnamon sugar running through soft, light beige bread with a golden crust. A torn piece of bread sits near the front, showing the fluffy inside texture. Beside the bread, there are two cinnamon sticks angled diagonally. In the background, there is a small white bowl containing two pale yellow butter cubes resting on the wooden board next to a wrinkled green cloth. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This bread is beautifully satisfying just as it is, but you can elevate it further with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for a touch of sweetness and extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon swirl bread with fresh fruit, a dollop of butter or your favorite jam, or alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea—the perfect cozy breakfast or afternoon snack combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Try turning slices into French toast, layering with cream cheese and sliced apples for a decadent treat, or even cubing it to make sweet bread pudding. The possibilities are endless with this versatile Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 6 days to maintain freshness. A bread box or sealed container works great to keep it soft and moist.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months—ready whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

Thaw frozen bread at room temperature or gently warm slices in a toaster or oven for that freshly baked feel. A quick heat-up brings back the tender crumb and aromatic cinnamon swirl perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but bread flour helps develop more gluten, resulting in a chewier, loftier loaf. Using all-purpose may yield a slightly softer, less structured bread but it will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to know if the bread is fully baked?

Tapping the bottom of the loaf for a hollow sound is a classic test, but the most reliable is using an instant-read thermometer—aim for 195 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit inside the loaf for perfect doneness.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! If using active dry yeast, make sure to dissolve it in the warm water and milk mixture first and let it activate until foamy before mixing into the dough.

My cinnamon filling keeps spilling out during baking. Any tips?

When rolling, leave a clear border without filling along the edges to prevent leakage. Also, gently pressing the seam and placing the loaf seam-side down in the pan helps keep the swirl intact.

How do I prevent my bread from drying out?

Properly wrapping the cooled loaf before storing is key. Avoid refrigeration unless necessary, as it can dry bread quickly. Freezing is better for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Baking bread from scratch is such a rewarding experience, and this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe is the perfect introduction to that joy. With its tender crumb, generous cinnamon swirls, and golden crust, you really can’t go wrong. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a warm slice and enjoy the magic that comes from homemade baking!