Easy Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Bread is the kind of recipe that instantly makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery, wrapping everyone in sweet anticipation. With swirls of cinnamon sugar tucked into every buttery layer, this bread delivers a golden crust and luscious, soft slices that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re sharing a loaf at brunch or sneaking a warm piece for a midnight snack, this Easy Cinnamon Bread always manages to steal the show and hearts in the process!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Cinnamon Bread calls for a handful of everyday staples that work together to create something truly special. Each ingredient brings its own unique flair, from rich flavor to the perfect crumb—let’s see how each one transforms this recipe.

• Frozen bread dough: Using pre-made dough, like Rhodes Bake-N-Serve, saves time but still yields that soft, fluffy bakery-style texture.
• Butter (melted): Butter saturates the bread for rich flavor and creates that signature golden, tender crust.
• Granulated sugar: This is the key to both the sweet crunch and caramelized edges that make every bite deliciously satisfying.
• Ground cinnamon: The heart of the recipe; cinnamon swirls its warmth and spice throughout the bread.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for a silky-sweet icing that melts into the warm loaf and ties the whole treat together.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the flavor in the icing for a truly bakery-worthy finish.
• Milk: Milk gives the icing a pourable, dreamy consistency—perfect for drizzling over the top.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Thaw the Dough

Start by placing your frozen bread loaves on a tray and letting them defrost at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours (or, if you’re a planner like me, let them thaw overnight in the fridge). The dough should be soft and pliable before you start shaping and flavoring—no shortcuts here for the fluffiest results.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pans

Spray three 8-inch bread pans generously with non-stick cooking spray. Give the corners and sides some extra attention to make sure your Easy Cinnamon Bread turns out effortlessly later. Having the pans prepped and ready will make assembling the loaves a breeze.

Step 3: Slice the Loaves

Using a sharp knife, make 4 deep cuts into each loaf, slicing nearly all the way through but leaving just a small hinge at the bottom. These cuts are vital—they’ll hold all that glorious cinnamon sugar and butter in every slice, making for incredible layers throughout the bread.

Step 4: Butter Every Nook and Cranny

Generously coat each loaf with the melted butter, making sure to get inside all those cuts. This step is a little messy but worth it; the extra butter seeps into the bread, ensuring every bite is moist and decadent.

Step 5: Add That Sweet Cinnamon Sugar

In a wide bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each loaf in the mixture, pressing gently so the coating is thick and even. Be sure to stuff plenty of cinnamon sugar into every cut—don’t hold back! This is where all the sweetness and flavor magic happens.

Step 6: Let the Loaves Rise

Set a loaf in each prepared pan and cover with a light tea towel. Let them rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, usually about an hour. Watching the loaves billow up is honestly half the fun—you’ll know something amazing is about to happen.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the loaves for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, just long enough to make icing them a little less messy (but still temptingly warm).

Step 8: Make the Sweet Drizzle

While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and two tablespoons of milk. Add a splash more milk for a thinner drizzle if you like—there are no wrong answers with icing. Pour or drizzle over the warm loaves, letting it melt enticingly down the sides.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Bread

Garnishes

The classic drizzle of icing is always a winner, but you can sprinkle a pinch of extra ground cinnamon or even top with a handful of chopped toasted pecans for a little crunch. These small touches turn each loaf of Easy Cinnamon Bread into a bakery-worthy centerpiece.

Side Dishes

Easy Cinnamon Bread is a treat on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a creamy dollop of Greek yogurt. If you’re serving brunch, try adding scrambled eggs and crisp bacon for a delightful sweet-and-savory spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual slices in parchment and twine for a charming homemade gift. For a brunch buffet, slice and fan out the bread on a rustic wooden board, letting that cinnamon-swirled interior steal the spotlight. Or turn leftovers into the most epic cinnamon bread French toast—trust me, it’s next level!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store Easy Cinnamon Bread tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live somewhere humid, consider the refrigerator—just be sure to bring slices back to room temp or warm them up to get that just-baked softness.

Freezing

This bread is a freezer marvel! Wrap cooled, un-iced loaves tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm and glaze as usual for that freshly-baked feel.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Reheating brings back that soft, bakery-fresh sensation and makes the icing slightly gooey and delicious all over again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade white bread recipe, use it here—just make sure to let it rise until almost doubled before baking, and follow the directions for the Cuts, Butter, and Cinnamon Sugar steps to transform it into Easy Cinnamon Bread.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread dough. Most gluten-free doughs work well, though the texture may differ slightly. Keep an eye on baking time, as some gluten-free breads brown more quickly.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?

Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts, as well as plump raisins, can be tucked into the cuts along with the cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and texture. Just be generous and let your creativity take the lead.

What’s the best way to cut the bread without smushing it?

Let the loaf cool slightly (about 10-15 minutes) so it firms up, then use a serrated bread knife with a gentle sawing motion. This keeps the layers intact and your slices picture-perfect.

Can I double the icing for extra sweet bread?

Absolutely! If you’re an icing enthusiast, feel free to double the powdered sugar glaze and drizzle generously. Leftover icing also works wonders on pancakes or waffles, so nothing will go to waste.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Easy Cinnamon Bread is pure comfort and joy in every slice, and I truly hope you give it a try. It’s a recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and gathers everyone around the table. If there was ever a reason to bake, this loaf is it—so grab your ingredients and jump in. Happy baking, friend!

Print