Cinnamon Bread Easy: Is there anything quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon bread wafting through your home? I think not! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, soft slice, swirled with sweet cinnamon and a touch of buttery goodness. This isn’t just bread; it’s a hug in every bite.
Cinnamon bread has a rich history, evolving from simple sweet breads enjoyed across various cultures. While its exact origins are debated, the combination of cinnamon and bread has been a beloved treat for centuries. Cinnamon itself was once a highly prized spice, reserved for royalty and special occasions, adding an element of luxury to this humble loaf.
What makes this cinnamon bread easy recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The soft, slightly chewy bread, the warm, spicy cinnamon, and the sweet, buttery filling create a symphony of sensations in your mouth. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Enjoy it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a sweet treat after dinner, or even toasted with a dollop of cream cheese. And the best part? This recipe is designed for simplicity, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the delightful scent of homemade goodness!
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth!)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk, or more to reach desired consistency
Preparing the Dough:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast is well distributed throughout the flour mixture. This helps it activate evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Whisk until everything is well combined. The milk temperature is crucial here too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. Aim for that sweet spot between 110-115°F (43-46°C).
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little rough at this stage; we’ll smooth it out during kneading.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. If using a mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! The yeast is working its wonders, creating all those lovely air pockets that will make our cinnamon bread light and fluffy. A warm oven (turned off!) or a sunny spot in your kitchen works well.
Preparing the Filling and Assembling:
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until well combined and creamy. Make sure your butter is truly softened; otherwise, you’ll end up with clumps of butter in your filling.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to keep the rectangle as even as possible for uniform cinnamon bread slices.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the prepared filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the dough when we roll it up.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed. A tight roll is key to preventing the cinnamon bread from unraveling during baking.
- Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Dental floss creates a cleaner cut than a knife, preventing the rolls from getting squished. To use floss, slide a piece of floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to cut through.
- Second Rise: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy. This second rise is important for achieving that extra-soft texture.
Baking the Cinnamon Bread:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking; otherwise, the cinnamon bread may not bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool Slightly: Let the cinnamon bread cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows the rolls to set slightly, making them easier to handle.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: While the cinnamon bread is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. It’s crucial that both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in your frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Adjust Consistency: Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You may need more or less milk depending on the humidity and the consistency of your cream cheese and butter.
Frosting and Serving:
- Frost the Cinnamon Bread: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon bread. Don’t be shy with the frosting it’s what makes these rolls truly irresistible!
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon bread warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Tips for Success:
- Yeast Activation: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. If you’re unsure if your yeast is still active, you can proof it by dissolving it in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. If it foams up within 5-10 minutes, it’s good to go.
- Don’t Overknead: Overkneading can result in tough cinnamon bread. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Warm Place for Rising: A warm, draft-free environment is essential for proper rising. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) or near a warm appliance.
- Softened Butter: Using softened butter for both the filling and the frosting is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling and frosting to your liking.
- Add-Ins: Get creative with your cinnamon bread! You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Bread: Add diced apples to the filling for a delicious fall twist.
- Nutella Cinnamon Bread: Spread Nutella instead of the cinnamon-sugar filling for a chocolatey treat.
- Maple Glaze: Replace the cream cheese frosting with a maple glaze for a different flavor profile. Simply whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of milk until smooth.
Conclusion:
And there you have it! This cinnamon bread easy recipe is truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe it’s a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting aroma and taste of warm, spiced bread. It’s not just about the simplicity of the recipe; it’s about the incredible flavor payoff you get with minimal effort. We’re talking about a bread that’s soft, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness in every single bite. What’s not to love?
But beyond the ease and the deliciousness, this recipe is special because it’s so versatile. It’s perfect as is, enjoyed warm with a pat of butter and a cup of coffee or tea. Imagine waking up on a chilly morning to the smell of this baking pure bliss! However, don’t feel limited to just the classic preparation.
For a truly decadent treat, try adding a cream cheese glaze once the bread has cooled slightly. Simply whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a dash of vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle generously over the top. The tangy sweetness of the glaze perfectly complements the warm spices of the bread.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling up the dough. The added crunch and nutty flavor elevate the bread to a whole new level of deliciousness. You could even incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of fruity sweetness.
Another fantastic variation is to use this recipe as the base for French toast. Slice the cinnamon bread into thick slices, dip them in a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon, and then cook them in a skillet until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dollop of whipped cream for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch.
And let’s not forget about the possibilities for gifting! This cinnamon bread easy recipe makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors. Wrap a loaf in parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious present that’s sure to be appreciated.
I’ve made this bread countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the perfect treat for holidays, special occasions, or just a cozy weekend at home. It’s also a great recipe to get kids involved in the kitchen. They’ll love helping to roll out the dough, sprinkle on the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and watch the bread bake in the oven.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of baking this incredible cinnamon bread. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, any tips you have, and most importantly, how much you enjoyed it. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear all about your cinnamon bread easy adventures!
Cinnamon Bread Easy: The Best Recipe for Delicious Homemade Bread
Soft, fluffy homemade cinnamon bread with cinnamon-sugar filling and cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk, or more to reach desired consistency
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) in a medium bowl. Mix until creamy.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down. Roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Second Rise: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Let the cinnamon bread cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Adjust Consistency: Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cinnamon Bread: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon bread.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Yeast Activation: Check the expiration date on your yeast. Proof it by dissolving it in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. If it foams up within 5-10 minutes, it’s good to go.
- Don’t Overknead: Overkneading can result in tough cinnamon bread. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Warm Place for Rising: A warm, draft-free environment is essential for proper rising.
- Softened Butter: Using softened butter for both the filling and the frosting is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling and frosting to your liking.
- Add-Ins: Get creative with your cinnamon bread! You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
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