Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Name: Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup milk; 1 egg; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups bread flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup raisins (optional); 1 tbsp butter, melted

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 35 min

🍽 Serves: 8

★★★★★

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Ah, the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon swirl bread wafting through your home. This recipe is perfect for those chilly mornings when you need something warm and delightful to start your day. With a tender crumb and a sweet, spicy swirl, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Milk provides the necessary moisture and richness to the dough, making it soft and fluffy. Egg adds structure and a touch of richness, while unsalted butter ensures a tender crumb. Bread flour gives the bread its chewy texture, which is ideal for this type of loaf. Granulated sugar sweetens the dough, and salt enhances the flavors. Active dry yeast is the leavening agent that helps the dough rise beautifully. The brown sugar and ground cinnamon create the signature swirl, offering a sweet and spicy contrast. Optional raisins add a fruity dimension, while a final brush of melted butter gives the crust a glossy finish.

Tips & Tricks

Ensure your milk is not too hot, or it might kill the yeast — aim for a baby-bottle warm temperature.
If the dough is sticking to your hands, dust them with a little flour to make handling easier.
Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough cleanly without squashing it.

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon swirl bread is fantastic toasted with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese. Pair it with a hot cup of spiced chai or a pumpkin latte for a cozy autumn treat. For a bit of indulgence, try it as French toast topped with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without a bread machine?: Yes! You can knead the dough by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, then follow the rolling and baking steps.
Can I freeze this bread?: Absolutely. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. It keeps well for up to three months.
What if I don't like raisins?: No problem! Just leave them out or substitute with chopped nuts or dried cranberries.

Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by slightly warming the milk; you want it warm to the touch, not hot. Pour it into the bread machine pan. Crack the egg and add it to the milk, followed by the softened butter, bread flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Make a small well in the center of your dry ingredients and add the yeast. This keeps the yeast from activating prematurely.

Set your bread machine to the dough cycle and let it do its thing — about 90 minutes depending on your machine. When the cycle is complete, flour your work surface lightly and roll out the dough into a large rectangle, roughly 9x12 inches.

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the surface of the dough. If you’re including raisins, scatter them evenly too. Starting from the short side, roll the dough tightly into a log and place it seam-side down in a greased loaf pan. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise until it doubles in size, about an hour.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the bread has risen, bake it for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and sounds hollow when tapped. Brush the freshly baked loaf with melted butter to give it a glorious shine. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

No kneading required, thanks to the bread machine doing most of the work.
A perfect balance of sweetness and spice that elevates your breakfast or snack time.
Customizable with optional raisins for a fruity twist.
Impressively beautiful swirls that make each slice a piece of edible art.

Ingredients

1 cup milk

1 egg

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 cups bread flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp salt

1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup raisins (optional)

1 tbsp butter, melted

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Warm the milk slightly and add to the bread machine pan.

2. Add the egg, softened butter, bread flour, granulated sugar, and salt.

3. Make a small well in the dry ingredients and add the yeast.

4. Start the dough cycle on your bread machine.

5. Once the cycle is complete, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle.

6. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the dough.

7. Add raisins if desired, then roll the dough tightly into a log.

8. Place the log in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.