Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Few things in baking are as comforting as the aroma of cinnamon bread fresh from the oven. The warm, spiced fragrance fills the kitchen and makes the whole house feel cozy. When I first baked this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread, I knew it was going to be a family favorite. The golden loaf is soft and tender inside, with a beautiful swirl of cinnamon sugar that melts slightly as it bakes, creating pockets of sweet, spiced goodness in every slice.

This bread is not just delicious—it’s also visually impressive. Slicing into the loaf reveals that signature swirl, which looks like it came straight from a bakery. It’s perfect for breakfast with butter, toasted with cream cheese, or even turned into French toast. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch, a weekend baking project, or just because you love cinnamon, this recipe gives you a loaf that’s as satisfying to bake as it is to eat.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Homemade bread always feels special, but this cinnamon swirl version goes beyond basic. Here’s why you’ll want to make it over and over again:

Warm, Sweet Flavor – The cinnamon sugar swirl adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming. It tastes like a cross between classic bread and a cinnamon roll.
Soft, Tender Texture – The dough bakes up light and fluffy, making each slice perfect for toasting or enjoying as-is.
Bakery-Worthy Appearance – The swirl inside gives the loaf a stunning look that makes it great for serving guests or gifting.
Versatile Uses – From simple toast to decadent French toast, bread pudding, or even sandwiches, this loaf adapts beautifully to different meals.
Fun to Bake – Rolling out the dough and adding the swirl feels rewarding and gives you that hands-on satisfaction of homemade baking.
Customizable – You can change the filling by adding raisins, chopped nuts, or even spreading a thin layer of softened butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar for an extra-rich version.

What Kind of Flour Should I Use?

All-purpose flour works beautifully for this bread, giving a soft crumb and light texture. If you want a slightly chewier loaf with more structure, bread flour is also an excellent choice since it contains more protein. Whole wheat flour can replace part of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor, but it will make the bread denser. For the fluffiest result, stick with all-purpose or bread flour.

Substitution Options for Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This bread is forgiving, so you can adapt it depending on what you have:

Milk: Whole milk creates a tender crumb, but you can use 2%, almond, or oat milk with good results.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives richness, but margarine or coconut oil can be swapped in.
Sugar: White granulated sugar is classic, but light brown sugar works too and adds a subtle caramel flavor.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is the standard, but you can use instant yeast (skip proofing and mix it directly with the flour).
Cinnamon Sugar Filling: You can add a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts to the filling for variety.

Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

All-Purpose Flour – The base ingredient that forms the structure of the bread.
Granulated Sugar – Used in both the dough and the cinnamon swirl filling for sweetness.
Active Dry Yeast – Makes the bread rise, giving it that airy, tender texture.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Whole Milk – Warms the dough and provides moisture and richness.
Unsalted Butter – Adds tenderness and flavor to the bread while keeping the crumb soft.
Egg – Binds the dough and enriches the texture, making it slightly more decadent.
Ground Cinnamon – The star of the swirl filling, bringing warmth and spice.
Brown Sugar – Used in the filling for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

How To Make Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Warm the milk until it’s just slightly warmer than room temperature (about 110°F/43°C). Stir in the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar, then let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon. For extra richness, you can also stir in a tablespoon of softened butter to make a paste-like filling.

Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 9×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Starting from the short end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed and tuck the ends underneath. Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover again and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until the loaf has puffed up.

Step 6: Bake the Bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the swirl to set.

How Long Does It Take to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread?

Dough Prep & First Rise: 1 hour 30 minutes
Filling and Shaping: 15 minutes
Second Rise: 30–45 minutes
Baking: 30–35 minutes
Cooling: 15 minutes

Total time: 2.5–3 hours, with most of that being hands-off rising time.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Proof the Yeast Properly: Make sure your milk isn’t too hot—it should feel warm but not scalding. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it’s likely expired.
Use a Light Hand with Flour: Add just enough flour while kneading to prevent sticking. Too much flour makes the loaf dense.
Roll the Dough Evenly: A consistent thickness ensures that the swirl bakes evenly without gaps.
Seal the Seam Tightly: Pinch the seam well before placing the dough in the pan to prevent the swirl from unraveling.
Let the Dough Rise Fully: Don’t rush the rising times. Fully risen dough bakes into a softer, airier loaf.
Cool Before Slicing: Cutting too early can cause the swirl to tear and the bread to seem gummy. Patience pays off!

Mistakes to Avoid

Killing the Yeast: Overheating the milk will kill the yeast, and the bread won’t rise. Always check the temperature.
Skipping the Second Rise: This step is crucial for getting the right texture. Without it, the bread will be heavy.
Using Too Much Filling: While tempting, too much sugar and cinnamon can cause the loaf to separate or leak during baking.
Not Greasing the Pan Well: Cinnamon sugar can caramelize and stick. Generously grease or line your loaf pan with parchment paper.
Overbaking the Loaf: Check around the 30-minute mark. Overbaking makes bread dry.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Toasted with Butter: A simple but classic way to enjoy the bread. The butter melts into the cinnamon swirls for pure comfort.
With Cream Cheese Spread: The tanginess of cream cheese balances the sweetness perfectly.
French Toast: Slice thick and dip in egg mixture for indulgent cinnamon swirl French toast.
Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage pairs beautifully with the spiced sweetness of the bread.
Fruit Compote or Jam: Adds an extra fruity layer of flavor, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of ice cream for a quick dessert.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the toaster or microwave to freshen them.
Freezer: Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating: Toast slices or warm gently in the oven to bring back freshness.

Nutrition Information (per slice, approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~210
Protein	5g
Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3g
Carbohydrates	34g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	10g
Sodium	190mg
Cholesterol	30mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, you can use a flax egg or omit it entirely and add an extra tablespoon of butter. The bread may be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Can I add raisins or nuts to the filling?
Absolutely! About ½ cup of raisins or chopped walnuts can be added with the cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and texture.

Can I make this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Use almond or oat milk instead of cow’s milk, and substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for regular butter.

What’s the best way to slice Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread?
Use a serrated bread knife and let the loaf cool completely before slicing to prevent squishing the swirl.

Can I double this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread recipe?
Yes, you can make two loaves at once. Just divide the dough after the first rise and shape them separately.

Why did my swirl separate from the bread?
This usually happens if the filling layer is too thick or the seam wasn’t sealed tightly. Next time, use less filling and pinch the dough closed firmly.

Can I use whole wheat flour Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread?
You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, denser loaf. Using all whole wheat flour will make the bread too heavy.

Conclusion

Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something special. With its soft texture, sweet cinnamon filling, and beautiful swirl, it’s a loaf that impresses both in flavor and appearance. Whether you enjoy it toasted for breakfast, transformed into French toast, or savored plain and warm from the oven, it’s sure to bring comfort and joy to your table. This recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking rotation.