Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon swirl bread wafting through your kitchen. This classic homemade bread is a delightful combination of soft, fluffy dough and a perfectly balanced cinnamon-sugar filling, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, toasted with a drizzle of honey, or as the base for French toast, this bread is a must-try for any home baker.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of making homemade cinnamon swirl bread. From kneading the dough to rolling the perfect swirl, you’ll learn everything you need to know to create this bakery-quality treat in your own kitchen. Plus, we’ll answer common FAQs and provide tips to help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise along the way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to bread flour and proper kneading, this loaf is light, airy, and tender.
- Perfectly Sweet and Spiced: The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds a warm, slightly caramelized sweetness.
- Versatile and Delicious: Great for breakfast, snacks, or even turning into decadent cinnamon toast.
- Beginner-Friendly: With clear step-by-step instructions, this recipe is easy to follow for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Bread
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg white, beaten
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Before starting, it’s important to properly activate the yeast to ensure the bread rises correctly.
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive, and you’ll need a fresh batch.
2. Prepare the Dough
- Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined.
- Gradually add the bread flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together.
6. Shape the Bread
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air.
- Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 8×20-inch rectangle.
- Brush the surface with beaten egg white, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
7. Roll and Second Rise
- Starting from the short end, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Place it seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 1-2 hours, or until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
8. Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
9. Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Add Nuts or Raisins: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the cinnamon filling for extra texture.
- Make Cinnamon Swirl French Toast: Slice thick and dip in an egg-milk mixture before frying.
- Glaze It: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a bakery-style finish.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. The next morning, bring it to room temperature before baking.
2. How do I store cinnamon swirl bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Why didn’t my bread rise?
Your yeast may be expired, or your milk may have been too hot or too cold. Ensure the temperature is around 110°F for proper activation.
5. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly less chewy and airy. Bread flour helps create a stronger gluten structure.
Conclusion
Making homemade cinnamon swirl bread is a truly rewarding experience. With its soft, fluffy texture, rich cinnamon filling, and delightful swirl, this bread is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, this classic recipe never disappoints. Try it out today, and let your kitchen be filled with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread!