Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

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If you’re craving something sweet and comforting, this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread is the perfect solution. It’s a soft, fluffy bread filled with a cinnamon-sugar swirl that’s simply irresistible. Not only is it ideal for breakfast or as a snack, but it also makes your kitchen smell heavenly. The process is easy to follow, and the result is a deliciously tender loaf that’s both satisfying and delightful.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe Highlights

Making homemade bread might seem challenging, but this Cinnamon Swirl Bread recipe is surprisingly approachable. From kneading the dough to adding that perfect swirl of cinnamon sugar, each step brings you closer to a bakery-worthy result. The key is patience during the rise time and gentle handling of the dough to create a fluffy loaf.

This cinnamon bread is perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• A sweet afternoon snack
• Toasted with butter, or even as French toast
• Gift-giving or holiday treats

The swirl of cinnamon and sugar makes every slice sweet and comforting, while the soft dough gives it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

To create this delicious and sweet homemade cinnamon swirl bread, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing together a perfectly soft and flavorful loaf with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl.

• Water (½ cup, 120ml) – Warm water helps activate the yeast. Make sure it’s around 110°F (43°C) to ensure proper yeast growth.
• Whole Milk (½ cup, 120ml) – Warmed to about 110°F (43°C) for richness and softness in the bread texture.
• Instant or Active Dry Yeast (2¼ tsp, 7g) – You can use either instant or active dry yeast. This is what makes your bread rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup, 50g, divided) – Sugar is used in the dough to feed the yeast and also in the cinnamon swirl for sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp, 56g) – Softened to room temperature, the butter adds richness and moisture to the bread.
• Bread Flour (3 cups, 390g) – Bread flour gives the dough its structure, allowing it to rise perfectly. You may need a bit more for kneading if the dough is sticky.
• Salt (1 tsp) – Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor of the bread.

For the Swirl & Topping:

• Egg White (1) – Beaten to help the cinnamon-sugar stick to the dough when forming the swirl.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup, 50g) – For the cinnamon-sugar mixture that creates the signature swirl inside the bread.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp) – The star of the show, giving that warm, sweet spice that swirls throughout the bread.
• Unsalted Butter (1 tbsp, 14g, melted) – Used to brush over the top of the loaf before baking, creating a golden, slightly crisp crust.

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How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread

While making this homemade cinnamon swirl bread might sound like a long process, it’s actually a straightforward recipe once broken down into steps. The key is to be patient during the rising process and to follow each step carefully for the best result.

1. Prepare the Dough:
   Start by combining the warm water, warm milk, yeast, and half the sugar in a large bowl. Let this sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy and foamy, signaling that the yeast is active. You can do this with a stand mixer or by hand.
2. Add Butter and Flour:
   Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the remaining sugar, softened butter, 1 cup of flour, and salt. Mix on low speed or stir by hand until just combined. Add another cup of flour and continue mixing until the dough starts to form. If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour until it’s manageable.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Knead the dough in your mixer for about 8–10 minutes or do this by hand on a floured surface. You want the dough to be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. If you press the dough with your finger, it should bounce back.
4. First Rise:
   Grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray, place the dough in it, and cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:
   In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar that will be used for the swirl.
6. Shape the Dough:
   After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into an 8×20 inch rectangle. Brush the dough with the beaten egg white, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
7. Roll and Shape the Loaf:
   Roll the dough into a log, place it seam-side down into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan, and let it rise again for about an hour until it rises above the top of the pan.
8. Bake the Bread:
   Brush the top of the risen loaf with melted butter. Bake the bread at 350°F (177°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. If it’s browning too quickly, cover the top with foil halfway through.

Enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-scented aroma that fills your kitchen as the bread bakes!

How Long to Bake Cinnamon Swirl Bread

When it comes to baking homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread, timing is everything. This bread requires two rises before baking to ensure the dough is perfectly soft and fluffy, and then it’s baked to golden perfection. Here’s how to get it just right.

Baking Time for Cinnamon Swirl Bread:

• Baking Duration: Bake the bread for 35–45 minutes at 350°F (177°C) until the top is beautifully golden brown.
• Checking for Doneness: Halfway through baking, check if the top is browning too quickly. If it is, tent the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center finishes baking.
• Sound Test: To know if your bread is fully baked, gently tap the top of the loaf. It should sound hollow, indicating that the interior is fully baked.
• Temperature Test: For more accuracy, use an instant-read thermometer. The bread is done when the internal temperature reaches 195–200°F (90–93°C). This ensures a soft, fully cooked center without overbaking.

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How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This cinnamon bread stays soft and fresh for several days, making it perfect for meal prep or to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly:

• At Room Temperature: Store the leftover bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 days. Keeping it tightly sealed helps prevent it from drying out.
• In the Refrigerator: If you prefer to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the bread for up to 10 days. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to preserve freshness and softness.
• Freezing the Bread: For longer storage, you can freeze the cinnamon swirl bread. Wrap each slice or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight freezer bag or container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the bread at room temperature or gently warm it in the oven or microwave.

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Baking Tips for the Best Cinnamon Swirl Bread

• Patience with Rising: Allow the dough to rise fully during both the first and second rises. This ensures the bread will have a light and fluffy texture.
• Swirl Tightness: When rolling the dough with the cinnamon sugar, make sure it’s rolled tightly to prevent gaps in the swirl. This keeps the cinnamon filling evenly distributed throughout the loaf.
• Tent with Foil: If you notice the bread browning too quickly while baking, covering it with foil will help the interior bake without burning the top.

Enjoy this warm, sweet treat with butter, or even try turning it into French toast for an extra special breakfast!

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