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Cozy Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Cozy Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This Cozy Cinnamon Swirl Bread is incredibly simple yet yields a beautifully swirled loaf that looks as good as it tastes. Its moist crumb and aromatic cinnamon filling make it a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
First Rise 1 minute
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • ½ cup granulated sugar divided
  • 1 ½ teaspoons instant dried yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup warm milk 105-115°F or 40-46°C
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk for egg wash
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium Bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional)
  • Clean bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and the instant dried yeast. Stir gently and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This shows your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
    ½ cup warm milk, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons instant dried yeast
  2. While the yeast is activating, in a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
    2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt
  3. To the foamy yeast mixture, add the melted butter and the lightly beaten egg. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
    ¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment and knead for 3-5 minutes on medium speed.
    2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  5. Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  6. While the dough is rising, in a small bowl, combine the remaining granulated sugar, the packed light brown sugar, and the ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of cinnamon.
    ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  7. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12x15 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving about a ½-inch border along one of the long edges.
    2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  8. Starting from the long edge with the filling, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Cut the log into 12 equal slices. You can do this by gently pressing the dough log and then using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
  9. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan. Arrange the cinnamon swirl slices in the prepared pan, cut-side up. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until the dough is puffy and nearly doubled.
  10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the risen bread with the tablespoon of milk (this is your egg wash substitute for a golden crust). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
    1 tablespoon milk
  11. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch, you can dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
    Powdered sugar

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
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