Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe

There's something about the smell of cinnamon sugar bread baking that just feels like home, isn't there? I remember my grandma pulling a golden, fragrant loaf out of the oven when I was little—the way the sugar sparkled on top, the warmth of that first buttery slice. It was pure magic. Now, it's my go-to when I want to make my kitchen smell incredible or when I need a cozy treat that feels like a hug.

This cinnamon sugar bread is the kind of recipe you'll make again and again. It's perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts, afternoon snacks with coffee, or even as a simple dessert. And the best part? It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you don’t make it every week. Trust me, your family (and your nose) will thank you.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Bread

• It’s ridiculously easy to make: No fancy techniques or equipment needed—just mix, swirl, and bake. Even if you’re not a baker, you’ve got this!
• The aroma is heavenly: Your kitchen will smell like a cozy cinnamon-scented dream. It’s basically aromatherapy with a delicious reward.
• Perfect for any time of day: Breakfast? Dessert? Snack? Yes, yes, and yes. It’s versatile and always hits the spot.
• Minimal ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry already. No last-minute grocery runs!
• Great for sharing (or not): It’s a crowd-pleaser at brunches or parties, but honestly, I won’t judge if you keep it all to yourself.
• Leftovers are a dream: It stays moist and delicious for days—if it lasts that long!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Sugar Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level it—don’t scoop straight from the bag or you’ll end up with too much. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: The little lift that makes this bread perfectly tender.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Leave it on the counter for an hour or so. If you’re in a hurry, microwave it for 5-second bursts, but don’t let it melt!
• 1 cup granulated sugar: No need to pack it—just pour and go.
• 1 large egg: Room temp is best. If you forgot to take it out, just pop it in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes.
• 1 cup milk: Whole milk gives the best richness, but any kind works.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The secret weapon for that “bakery” flavor.
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil: Keeps the bread extra moist—don’t skip it!
• ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon: The dreamy swirl mixture. Adjust the cinnamon to your taste—I sometimes add an extra ½ teaspoon because why not?

That’s it! No weird ingredients, no fuss. Just simple, cozy goodness ready to bake.

Step-by-Step Cinnamon Sugar Bread Instructions

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. I like to use butter or a quick spritz of baking spray—just make sure you get into the corners!
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir—no lumps allowed!
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar together until fluffy. This takes about 2 minutes with a hand mixer. Don’t rush it—this step gives the bread its lovely texture.
4. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, milk, vanilla, and oil until smooth. It might look a little curdled at first, but keep mixing—it’ll come together.
5. Combine dry and wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing = tough bread, so be gentle!

Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

6. Mix the swirl: In a small bowl, stir together the remaining ¼ cup sugar and cinnamon. Smell that? Pure happiness.
7. Layer it up: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar. Repeat with remaining batter and sugar. Now for the fun part—take a knife and swirl it through the batter in figure-8 motions. Don’t overdo it though—you want pretty ribbons, not mud!

Baking and Cooling

8. Bake for 50-60 minutes: The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean (a few crumbs are okay—wet batter isn’t). If it’s browning too fast, tent loosely with foil.
9. Cool completely: Let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. I know it’s hard, but wait at least 30 minutes before slicing—this keeps it from crumbling!

And that’s it! You’ve just made the coziest, most delicious cinnamon sugar bread. Now go enjoy that first slice—you’ve earned it.

Cinnamon Sugar Bread Variations

One of the best things about this cinnamon sugar bread is how easy it is to tweak. Here are a few fun twists to try when you’re feeling adventurous (or just need to use up what’s in your pantry):

• Whole wheat flour: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. It adds a nutty flavor and a little extra fiber—perfect for making breakfast feel slightly healthier (but still totally indulgent).
• Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water, let it sit for 5 minutes). It’s just as delicious and works great for dairy-free friends.
• Add nuts: Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch. Sprinkle a few on top before baking for extra texture.
• Brown sugar twist: Replace the granulated sugar in the swirl with brown sugar. It adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor that’s *chef’s kiss*.
• Apple cinnamon: Fold in 1 cup of finely diced apples into the batter. It’s like apple pie and cinnamon bread had the most amazing baby.

Feel free to mix and match—this recipe is super forgiving. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong when cinnamon and sugar are involved!

Serving and Storage Tips for Cinnamon Sugar Bread

Okay, let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy your cinnamon sugar bread—because yes, there’s an art to it! First, slicing: Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motions for clean cuts. Warm slices are heavenly, so pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you’re serving it later. Want next-level indulgence? Spread a little butter on top and watch it melt into those cinnamon swirls. *Swoon.*

For storage: Once cooled completely, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or stash it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temp for 3-4 days (if it lasts that long!). You can also freeze slices—just wrap them individually in foil and toss them in a freezer bag. When cinnamon cravings strike, toast a frozen slice straight from the freezer or thaw it overnight. Easy peasy!

Pro tip: If you’re gifting this bread, tie it up with twine and a little note—it’s the kind of homemade treat people remember!

Helpful Notes for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Bread

Here’s the thing: this cinnamon sugar bread is pretty foolproof, but a few little tips can take it from good to *wow*. First, room-temperature ingredients are key—they mix together more smoothly, giving you the best texture. If your butter’s too cold, it won’t cream properly, and if your egg’s straight from the fridge, it can make the batter lumpy. Plan ahead (or use my quick warm-water trick for the egg!).

Second, don’t overmix the batter. Once the flour is incorporated, stop mixing—overworking it can make the bread dense instead of tender. And finally, let it cool before slicing. I know it’s tempting, but patience pays off with clean, crumb-free slices.

Nutrition-wise, each slice (about 1/12 of the loaf) has around 220 calories, 18g of sugar, and 3g of protein. It’s a treat, sure, but one that’s totally worth it. Now go bake something amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar Bread

1. Can I freeze cinnamon sugar bread?
   Absolutely! Wrap cooled slices individually in foil or plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just toast straight from frozen or thaw at room temperature.
2. What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
   No worries—just use salted butter and reduce the added salt to ¼ tsp. The flavor difference is barely noticeable, and it’ll still taste amazing.
3. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes! Double everything and split the batter between two loaf pans. Keep an eye on baking time—it might need an extra 5-10 minutes. Your house will smell doubly incredible!
4. My swirl disappeared after baking—what happened?
   Did you swirl too much? A gentle figure-8 is all you need—overmixing blends it into the batter. Also, make sure your cinnamon sugar is evenly sprinkled so it doesn’t sink.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Sure! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend (like Bob’s Red Mill). The texture might be slightly denser, but it’ll still have that cozy cinnamon magic.

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments—I’m happy to help troubleshoot your baking adventures!

Final Thoughts on Cinnamon Sugar Bread

At the end of the day, this cinnamon sugar bread is the kind of recipe that just *works*—simple enough for a sleepy Sunday morning, sweet enough to feel like a treat, and so darn comforting you’ll want to make it a tradition. Whether you’re baking it for yourself, your family, or a friend who needs a pick-me-up, it’s guaranteed to bring a little warmth into the world. So go preheat that oven, grab your cinnamon jar, and get ready to fall in love with every buttery, sugary bite. You won’t regret it!

Print