Can I make this cinnamon bread recipe in a bread machine?

Yes, you can use a bread machine for the dough cycle. Add the ingredients according to your machine's instructions. Once the dough cycle is finished, take the dough out, roll it with the cinnamon filling, and bake it in a standard oven for the best texture and shape.

How do I get a darker cinnamon swirl?

To get a very dark and pronounced swirl in your cinnamon bread recipe, use dark brown sugar instead of white sugar in the filling. You can also add a tiny pinch of cocoa powder to the cinnamon-sugar mix. It won't taste like chocolate, but it will deepen the color of the swirl significantly.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely. If you use active dry yeast, you must dissolve it in warm milk with a bit of sugar and wait for it to bubble before adding it to the flour. If you use instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients, though blooming it first is still a good way to check if it is active.

Why did my loaf collapse in the oven?

A loaf usually collapses because it over-proofed during the second rise. If the dough rises too high and the air bubbles get too large, the structure becomes weak. When the heat of the oven hits it, the bubbles pop and the bread sinks. Try to bake it when it has doubled in size, rather than letting it grow too far over the rim of the pan.

Is this cinnamon bread recipe vegan?

As written, this recipe contains milk, butter, and an egg. However, you can make it vegan by using plant-based milk, vegan butter or oil, and a flax egg or simply omitting the egg and adding a little extra liquid. The results will still be delicious, though the crumb might be slightly less rich.

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Description

This cinnamon bread features a soft, pillowy crumb and a sweet, spicy swirl that makes every bite a delight. Perfect for thick slices of toast or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups All-purpose flour
1 packet (2.25 tsp) Active dry yeast
1 cup Warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup Granulated sugar
1/4 cup Unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp Salt
1 Large egg
1/2 cup Light brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp Ground cinnamon
1 tbsp Melted butter for brushing

Instructions

Step 1: Activate Yeast – Combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast in a bowl; let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix Dough – Add remaining sugar, softened butter, salt, egg, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture.
Step 3: Knead Dough – Gradually add remaining flour and knead for 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise – Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 5: Prepare Filling – In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 6: Roll Out – Punch down dough and roll into a 9×15 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Step 7: Add Swirl – Brush dough with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the surface.
Step 8: Shape Loaf – Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the short end and pinch the seams to seal.
Step 9: Second Rise – Place in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes until it rises above the rim.
Step 10: Bake Bread – Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 11: Cool Loaf – Remove from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to set the swirl.

Notes

Ensure the milk is not too hot (above 115°F) or it will kill the yeast. For a shinier crust, brush the top with an egg wash before baking.

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 215 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 190mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.2g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1.5g
Protein: 4.5g
Cholesterol: 28mg

Keywords: cinnamon bread, homemade bread, yeast bread, breakfast recipe, cinnamon swirl