Classic Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Bread

September 9, 2025 by cookforyou

Few things bring people together quite like freshly baked bread. This Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a timeless recipe that has graced church potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday tables for generations. With its golden crust, soft and pillowy crumb, and irresistible cinnamon-sugar spiral, it’s more than bread—it’s comfort and tradition in every slice.

Perfect for gifting, sharing with neighbors, or serving warm with coffee on a Sunday morning, this bread is the kind of recipe that always wins compliments.

A Brief History

Cinnamon breads have deep roots in European baking, particularly in Sweden and Germany, where spiced loaves and rolls were beloved staples. When the tradition crossed the Atlantic, American bakers adapted the recipe into loaves perfect for slicing. By the mid-20th century, cinnamon swirl bread was a household favorite—part breakfast, part dessert, and completely irresistible.

What Makes This Bread Special

• Enriched dough – Made with milk and butter for a tender, soft crumb.

• Signature swirl – Cinnamon-sugar creates beautiful ribbons of sweetness in every slice.

• Versatile treat – Delicious plain, toasted, buttered, or even turned into French toast.

• Crowd-pleaser – Equally at home on a church potluck table or your holiday breakfast spread.

Ingredients (Makes 2 Loaves)

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Topping

• 1 tablespoon butter, for brushing warm loaves

• Extra cinnamon-sugar, for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough

Stir in the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5 minutes with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for 1–1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Loaves

Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions. Roll each into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll tightly into logs, pinching the seams to seal.

5. Second Rise

Place each loaf into a greased 9×5-inch pan. Cover and let rise for 45–60 minutes until puffy.

6. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush tops with butter while still warm, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired.

Who Will Love This Bread

• Families who enjoy a cozy, sweet breakfast treat.

• Church communities where homemade loaves are a tradition.

• Bread lovers who appreciate a swirl of spice with every bite.

• Kids who can’t resist the cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Conclusion

This Classic Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s a memory-maker. Every slice carries warmth, sweetness, and love. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven, toasted with butter, or as part of a holiday brunch, it’s the kind of bread that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for the recipe.