Description
This homemade cinnamon bread recipe features a soft, fluffy dough swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with an optional vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this bread combines classic flavors with an inviting aroma, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Glaze (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the warm milk, melted butter, and egg until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 to 6 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Assemble the Bread: Roll the risen dough out on a floured surface into a 9×15-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter, leaving a one-inch border along the edges.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from a short end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it completely.
- Second Rise: Place the rolled dough seam-side down in the prepared loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cooling: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add Glaze (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm (110°F/45°C) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour while kneading, but avoid over-flouring to keep the bread soft.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area helps achieve a good rise.
- The cinnamon filling can be customized with nuts or raisins if desired.
- For a shiny crust, you can brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
- The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweetness and finish to the bread.
