If you have a soft spot for warm, buttery, and delightfully fragrant bread, wait until you try this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe. It’s an irresistible loaf filled with cinnamon-sugar swirls that bake into just the right amount of sweet and spice, creating that perfectly tender crumb and crusty exterior you crave. This recipe brings together simple, everyday ingredients in a way that feels cozy and comforting, making it an absolute must-bake for anyone who loves fresh-baked goodness straight from the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine baking ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. In the center bottom is a large white bowl full of white flour with a slightly rough texture. Above it to the left is a small white bowl of clear yellow oil with a smooth surface. To the right of the oil is a white bowl heaped with light brown sugar that looks crumbly. To the right of the sugar is a white bowl filled with creamy white yogurt. Above the sugar is a small clear glass bowl holding a dark brown liquid. To the right of that is a clear measuring cup with a handle, filled with a white liquid. On the left side, near the top, there are two white eggs with smooth shells lying next to each other. On the lower right are three small black bowls aligned vertically, with coarse white salt in the top one, white baking soda in the middle, and white baking powder in the bottom. The whole arrangement is tidy and evenly spaced. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe lies in its few but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from the yeast that helps the dough rise to the cinnamon-sugar that gives each slice its signature swirl of flavor and warmth.

Water, warmed: Activates the yeast and starts the dough rising process.
Whole milk, warmed: Adds moisture and richness to the bread.
Instant or active dry yeast: The magic behind the bread’s fluffy rise.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for proper fermentation.
Unsalted butter, softened: Contributes to both flavor and tender texture.
Bread flour: Provides structure with just the right amount of protein for an airy, chewy crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor overall.
Egg white, beaten: Acts as glue for the cinnamon-sugar topping, helping it stick beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers that signature warm, spicy flavor swirl.
Unsalted butter, melted (for brushing): Adds a gorgeous golden finish and luscious softness.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together warm water, warmed milk, yeast, and a bit of sugar. This wakes up the yeast and gets everything bubbling with life, which is crucial for that fluffy rise. Let this mixture sit until it’s frothy on top, signaling that your yeast is active and ready.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Begin Mixing

Next, add remaining sugar, softened butter, one cup of flour, and salt to your yeast mixture. Beat slowly, scraping the sides down to incorporate everything well before gradually adding the rest of the flour. The dough should come together but stay slightly tacky—that ideal consistency that means your bread will be soft without being sticky.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Kneading is where the dough transforms. If you have a stand mixer, let it do the work with a dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes. Otherwise, roll up your sleeves and knead by hand on a lightly floured surface. The dough should become smooth and elastic. Perform the “windowpane test” by stretching a small piece thin enough to see light through it without tearing—this ensures your gluten is well developed.

Step 4: 1st Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl and place your dough inside, rolling it so it’s coated with oil to keep it from drying out. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, usually about 1.5 to 2 hours. This first rise is essential for building volume and flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

Mix sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple duo is what creates those delightful pockets of sweetness and spice that make this bread so unforgettable.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

After punching down the dough, roll it out into a rough rectangle. Brush it with beaten egg white, then evenly sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture, leaving a bit of border on the edges. Roll this up tightly into a log, then place seam-side down into a greased loaf pan. If sugar spills during rolling, save those precious bits by sprinkling them on top.

Step 7: 2nd Rise

Cover the loaf and let it rise again until it’s puffed up about an inch above the pan’s rim. This final rise really gives the bread its airy texture and sets the stage for baking.

Step 8: Bake!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) with the rack placed lower in the oven. Brush melted butter on top of the loaf for a golden crust. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the bread is deeply golden and sounds hollow when tapped. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil to protect the crust. For perfect doneness, use an instant-read thermometer aiming for 195–200°F (90–93°C) internally.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Waiting at least 10 minutes before slicing helps keep the crumb intact, but cooling completely is even better for clean slices and ultimate flavor.

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

The image shows seven slices of cinnamon swirl bread with light brown crusts and soft beige insides arranged on a white oval plate with a small cup of pale off-white spread in the center. The cinnamon swirl is a dark brown spiral inside each slice. Next to the plate, there is a pale pink plate with one cinnamon bread slice spread with white cream. A white-handled knife with a silver blade and some cream on it rests beside the pink plate. All items sit on a white marbled surface with a light mauve cloth partially visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your loaf even more, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. A smear of softened butter or a dollop of honey on a warm slice takes each bite to new heights of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a bowl of yogurt, or even a warm cup of chai or coffee. The sweet spice complements these additions perfectly, making breakfast or brunch feel truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and toast your cinnamon swirl bread, then use it as a base for French toast or bread pudding. You can also cube the loaf and use it in a layered dessert or serve alongside creamy dips for a sweet-savory twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to six days at room temperature. This helps maintain moisture and prevent staleness.

Freezing

The bread freezes wonderfully! Slice before freezing for convenient grab-and-toast servings, or freeze the whole loaf wrapped securely. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to three months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or toast them directly for a fresh-baked feel. For whole loaves, wrap in foil and warm in a low oven for 10–15 minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven aroma and softness.

FAQs

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

Yes, but bread flour is preferred because it has higher protein content, which helps create that chewy texture and strong structure. Using all-purpose flour may result in a slightly softer loaf, but it will still be delicious.

Do I need a stand mixer for this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe?

Not at all! While a stand mixer speeds up kneading, you can mix and knead by hand. Just be prepared to use some elbow grease to develop the gluten properly.

Why does my cinnamon swirl not show clearly?

Rolling the dough tightly and evenly helps create distinct swirls. Also, leaving a border when sprinkling cinnamon sugar prevents leakage and keeps the swirl defined during baking.

Can I double this recipe to make two loaves?

Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and divide the dough evenly before shaping. Remember to watch rising times as they might be slightly different depending on your kitchen’s temperature.

What’s the best way to store this bread to keep it soft?

Storing the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature helps maintain softness. Avoid refrigerating unless you plan to keep it longer, as refrigeration can dry bread out.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe is such a rewarding experience—filling your home with the smell of warm spices and fresh bread is an instant mood-booster. Whether you’re slicing it warm with butter or toasting it for breakfast, it’s sure to become a beloved staple. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll keep coming back for more of those sweet, cinnamon-filled swirls!