Cinnamon Bread

Table of Contents

There’s something inexplicably cozy about a loaf of cinnamon bread, isn’t there? I can still remember the day I first encountered this aromatic delight. It was a brisk autumn afternoon, where the scent of fallen leaves mingled delightfully with the smell wafting in from my grandma’s kitchen. She was pulling her famous cinnamon bread from the oven, its warm golden crust glistening in the soft light filled with notes of cinnamon and sugar. As I took my first bite, my taste buds danced with the warm sweetness that wrapped me like a cozy blanket. I quickly learned that this was not just food; it was pure, comforting joy.

Every slice is rich with a snuggly blend of flavor and texture—the crunchy exterior gives way to a pillowy soft interior, capturing the essence of home in every bite. Trust me, the moment your kitchen fills with that heavenly scent of cinnamon and sugar, you’ll be whisked away to your coziest memories too. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a simple weeknight treat, this cinnamon bread is bound to become a favorite in your home, just as it is in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Galore: Each slice is like a warm hug, perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack.
• Easy to Make: Even if you’re a novice baker, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
• Quick Rising Time: You’ll have fresh bread in under 2 hours, perfect for those spontaneous baking urges!
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit, whether you’re hosting or gifting a loaf to a neighbor (who will love you forever).
• Customizable: Add your twist—think nuts, raisins, or even chocolate for that indulgent treat!

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread! Make sure to measure it accurately for best results.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds that delightful sugary crust.
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: This magical stuff will help your bread rise; it’s like your dough’s personal cheerleader!
• 1 teaspoon salt: A touch of salt enhances all the sweet flavors; don’t skip it!
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star of our show! Its warm aroma will make your kitchen feel like a bakery.
• 1 cup warm milk: Helps activate the yeast; make sure it’s warm but not too hot!
• 1/4 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and a lovely flavor to the dough.
• 2 eggs: For that perfect texture; they bring a wonderful richness to the bread.
• 1/2 cup sugar (for topping): This is for that delightful crunch on top!
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping): More cinnamon means more flavor—yes, please!
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (for topping): To brush on before baking, ensuring that crusty, caramelized finish.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and ground cinnamon. This creates a beautifully fragrant base for your dough—a little whisk here and there can help to evenly distribute the yeast!

2. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Just imagine the warmth of that milk bringing everything together—stir it gently until well mixed.

3. Create the Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, and mix until a dough forms. The magic starts here, and you’ll see the transformation into something delightful!

4. Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Put your elbow into it! Feel the dough change under your hands, becoming soft and elastic.

5. Let it Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour). While it’s rising, you can take a well-deserved moment for a cozy tea break.

6. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). You want that perfect, warm environment for baking.

7. Shape the Dough

Roll out the dough into a rectangle, then brush it with melted butter. This buttery layer is the foundation of all the delicious trails of sugar and cinnamon.

8. Add the Topping

Mix together sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the dough. The aroma will start to dance around your kitchen—get ready!

9. Roll it Up

Roll the dough tightly into a log and place it in a greased loaf pan. Tightly rolling helps to incorporate all those spices and sugar.

10. Second Rise

Let it rise for another 30 minutes, then brush the top with melted butter. Don’t worry if it doesn’t double again; just let it puff up a bit!

11. Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when your home is filled with the delightful scent of cinnamon.

12. Cool and Enjoy

Allow to cool before slicing and enjoy the comforting fall flavors! You can almost hear the “oohs” and “ahhs” from anyone waiting to get a slice!

Pro Tips for Success

• Yeast Check: Always make sure your yeast is fresh! If you’re unsure, activate it in warm water before combining.
• Flour Measuring: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy—this keeps your bread from being too dense.
• Temperature Control: Be mindful of the warmth of your wet ingredients. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
• Dough Texture: Don’t be afraid to touch the dough! It should feel soft and just a bit sticky, but should pull away from your hands easily.
• Keep it Simple: If you want to save time, you can even skip the second rise, although I promise, the texture will be fluffier!

Flavor Variations

• Nut Lovers: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for a delightful crunch.
• Raisin Cinnamon Bread: Toss in some raisins for chewy sweetness.
• Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a cozy twist!
• Fruity Delight: Spread a thin layer of fruit preserves before sprinkling on the sugar, like raspberry or apricot!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your warm cinnamon bread with a cup of steaming coffee or spiced chai for a truly heartwarming experience. Serve it on a pretty plate and sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for that café-style treat!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise, then cover and refrigerate it overnight—just shape, rise, and bake the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon bread makes the perfect base for French toast! Just take a couple of slices, soak them in an egg mixture, and pan fry for a delicious breakfast surprise. You can also cube the bread and toss it into a cozy bread pudding.

Freezing

Yes, it freezes beautifully! Just wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

For the best experience, I recommend reheating slices in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter. It gives that lovely golden crust back! The oven works great, too—just wrap it in foil and gently warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Just know that it might change the bread’s texture a tad. You might want to use a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose for a balanced approach.

What can I substitute for the eggs?
You can try using flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan option. Just remember the texture might vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

Why did my bread not rise?
This could be due to expired yeast or too cold ingredients. Make sure everything is cozy warm!

How can I tell if my bread is done baking?
Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Also, a beautiful golden-brown crust is always a good sign!

Final Thoughts

Baking cinnamon bread is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and warm moments in your kitchen. I hope this cinnamon bread fills your home with love and laughter, just like it has in mine. So grab your apron, follow those delightful steps, and let the culinary magic unfold! Can’t wait to see how your loaf turns out! Happy baking, sweet friends!

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