Fluffy Cinnamon Bread

There’s nothing quite like the comforting smell of freshly baked cinnamon bread filling your kitchen. This Fluffy Cinnamon Bread is the perfect blend of soft, tender dough swirled with sweet, aromatic cinnamon sugar. With each bite, you’ll experience a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Whether served warm with butter or enjoyed on its own, this bread is a cozy, satisfying indulgence that’s sure to please everyone in the family.

The secret to this fluffy cinnamon bread lies in the dough—rich, soft, and airy. The cinnamon swirl adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the generous amount of butter creates a moist crumb. It’s a wonderfully versatile recipe, perfect for slicing and serving with coffee or tea, or even toasted for an extra crunch. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort for a bakery-worthy result.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Incredibly Fluffy

The dough is light, airy, and soft, resulting in a texture that’s just irresistible.

2. Deliciously Sweet Cinnamon Flavor

The warm cinnamon swirl in every slice brings a comforting sweetness that’s perfect for any time of day.

3. Perfect for Breakfast or Snack

Whether you enjoy it as a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, this cinnamon bread is versatile enough to suit any occasion.

4. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe doesn’t require advanced baking skills—just a bit of time and patience!

5. Customizable

You can add your own twist to the recipe by adding raisins, nuts, or even a drizzle of icing for an extra sweet touch.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Salt
• Milk
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Icing (if desired)

Variations

• Add Raisins or Nuts: For added texture and flavor, mix in some raisins or chopped walnuts into the cinnamon swirl.
• Make It a Cinnamon Roll: Roll the dough up like a traditional cinnamon roll and slice before baking for a fun twist on the recipe.
• Drizzle with Icing: For an extra sweet touch, drizzle some cream cheese icing or glaze over the top after baking.
• Whole Wheat Option: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a heartier, more wholesome version of this bread.
• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based milk like almond milk and substitute the butter and eggs with vegan alternatives for a dairy-free, egg-free version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and a tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms, then knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

While the dough is rising, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Roll the Dough

Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal the roll, then tuck the ends under to form a loaf shape. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan.

Step 6: Let the Dough Rise Again

Cover the loaf pan with a clean towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen to the top of the pan.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cinnamon bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, or at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Warm Milk: Make sure the milk is warm, but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is around 110°F (43°C).
• Knead Well: Kneading the dough helps to develop the gluten, giving the bread its soft, fluffy texture. Be patient and knead for a few minutes.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Loaf Pan: Give the dough room to rise and expand in the pan for the best result.
• Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the bread is done, tap the top of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

How to Serve

Serve slices of Fluffy Cinnamon Bread on their own, or with a spread of butter or jam. It’s perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea, or as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk. You can even toast it for an extra crispy texture or drizzle with icing for a sweeter treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cinnamon bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and warm it in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat slices of the bread in a toaster or in the oven for a few minutes to restore some of its crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast, but you can skip the step of proofing it in warm water. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

2. Can I add nuts to the cinnamon swirl?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are a great addition to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture and flavor.

3. Can I make this bread without eggs?

Yes, you can use an egg substitute like flaxseed meal or applesauce to replace the eggs for a vegan version.

4. How can I make the bread sweeter?

If you like your cinnamon bread on the sweeter side, try adding a little extra sugar to the dough or drizzle a simple glaze over the top after baking.

5. Can I use a bread machine to make this recipe?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding ingredients and use the dough setting.

6. Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?

Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and bake in mini loaf pans. Adjust the baking time to around 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the pans.

7. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for this recipe to make it gluten-free. Be sure to check that your yeast is also gluten-free.

8. How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?

Make sure to knead the dough properly and allow it to rise enough time during both proofing stages to ensure it’s light and fluffy.

9. Can I add raisins to the bread?

Yes, raisins can be added to the cinnamon swirl or sprinkled on top for a sweet and fruity twist.

10. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it has a golden brown top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

This Fluffy Cinnamon Bread is a delicious and comforting treat that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With its soft, tender texture and sweet cinnamon swirl, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven, toasted with a little butter, or as a sweet addition to breakfast or brunch, this bread is sure to bring a smile to your face. It’s easy to make, customizable, and absolutely irresistible—give it a try and enjoy the warmth and goodness of homemade cinnamon bread!

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