Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s straightforward and requires only basic ingredients. The dough comes together quickly, and the rise time is manageable. When it bakes, my kitchen fills with the most comforting cinnamon aroma. The end result is a homemade loaf that feels special but is simple enough to make anytime.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
2 cups warm water
1 TBL yeast
1/4 cup sugar
5 cups bread flour
2 tsp salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 TBL cinnamon
Directions
Place water in a mixing bowl.
Sprinkle sugar and yeast over the water and let it stand for 5 minutes.
Add flour, oil, and salt. Mix well. If the dough is too sticky, I add more flour—½ cup at a time—until smooth and workable.
Knead for 2 minutes with a mixer or 5 minutes by hand.
Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Divide dough in half and roll each half into a 9×15-inch rectangle, or as wide as my bread pan.
Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Roll tightly, place in greased bread pans seam side down.
Let rise until nearly doubled, about 30–40 minutes.
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Turn onto a rack to cool and store in bags once cooled.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 20 slices
Prep time: 2 hours
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I add raisins or dried cranberries before rolling the dough for extra sweetness. A drizzle of glaze made with powdered sugar and milk makes the bread even more indulgent. I also like swapping powdered sugar for brown sugar to give it a deeper flavor. For a nutty touch, I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling.
Storage/Reheating
I store the bread in plastic bags at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. To enjoy again, I reheat slices in the toaster or oven until warm.
FAQs
Can I make this bread without a mixer?
Yes, I knead it by hand for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth.
What kind of yeast should I use?
I use active dry yeast, but instant yeast works as well with the same measurements.
Can I make this recipe with all-purpose flour?
Yes, though bread flour gives it a better texture and chew.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
I check by pressing a fingertip into the dough—if the indentation stays, it’s ready.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, melted butter works and adds a richer flavor.
What if my dough is too sticky?
I add flour a little at a time until it becomes workable.
Can I add more cinnamon sugar?
Absolutely, I often sprinkle extra for a stronger swirl.
How do I prevent the swirl from separating when slicing?
I roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam well before placing it in the pan.
Can I make smaller loaves instead of two large ones?
Yes, I divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time slightly.
How do I serve cinnamon bread?
I love it toasted with butter, made into French toast, or simply sliced warm from the oven.
Conclusion
Easy Cinnamon Bread is one of my favorite homemade bakes because it’s simple yet so comforting. The warm cinnamon sugar swirl makes each slice irresistible, and I love using it for toast or French toast. With minimal effort and everyday ingredients, I can enjoy bakery-style bread straight from my own oven.
