Description
This classic Cinnamon Bread recipe produces a soft, fluffy loaf swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and drizzled with a vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, this bread combines tender yeast dough with warm cinnamon flavors for a comforting homemade treat.
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: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and crack in the egg. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 to 6 minutes to achieve the same consistency.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 9×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Add Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough rectangle. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Form the Loaf: Starting from the short end, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it completely to prevent filling from spilling out.
- Second Rise: Place the dough log seam-side down into the prepared loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is undergoing its second rise.
- Bake: Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before slicing to add extra sweetness and shine.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm (about 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading develops gluten which gives the bread structure and a soft crumb.
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor.
- The glaze is optional but enhances sweetness and adds a lovely finish.
- Store bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough as well.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
