Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Optional Vanilla Glaze Recipe

If you have a soft spot for warm, cozy, and irresistibly fragrant baked goods, you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Optional Vanilla Glaze Recipe. It combines the perfect balance of sweet cinnamon spice and tender bread dough, finished off with a smooth, subtly sweet vanilla glaze that can be added or skipped depending on your mood. This bread is ideal for a comforting breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special addition to your brunch table. Once you try it, it’s hard not to fall in love with the way the cinnamon swirls create delightful ribbons of flavor in every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this delicious bread a success. This recipe keeps things simple but purposeful, with every ingredient playing a crucial role in creating the soft texture, enticing aroma, and rich flavor that characterize the Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Optional Vanilla Glaze Recipe.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and a tender bite once baked.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the yeast’s natural tang without overpowering the cinnamon.
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet): Essential for that perfect rise and airy texture in your loaf.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in harmony.
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C): Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough for softness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a velvety crumb to the bread.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and boosts the bread’s depth of flavor and color.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon filling.
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that dances through the bread with warmth and spice.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Used in the filling to create a luscious layer beneath the cinnamon and sugar.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The main ingredient in the optional glaze that adds a glossy, sugary touch.
• 2 tbsp milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Delivers a fragrant hint of vanilla that complements the cinnamon beautifully in the glaze.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Optional Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Begin by combining the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt in a large bowl. These dry ingredients create the base that will rise to become your lovely bread. Then, add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the mix, stirring them in until a soft dough forms. This combination of wet and dry ingredients is what gives your bread its tender yet sturdy texture.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Next, knead your dough on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5 to 6 minutes if you prefer less manual effort. Kneading activates the gluten, giving your bread its delightful chew and structure once baked.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it gently with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is the magical moment when the yeast works its magic to puff up your dough, ensuring a light and airy texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl—this is the heart and soul of your cinnamon swirl! Meanwhile, don’t forget to grease your 9 by 5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and make sure your bread comes out perfectly for slicing.

Step 5: Assemble the Bread

After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 9 by 15-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough; this will help the cinnamon-sugar filling stick and create those mesmerizing swirls. Then, sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow.

Step 6: Roll and Seal

Starting at one of the short ends, roll the dough tightly into a log, just like rolling a jelly roll. Once rolled, pinch the seam firmly to seal in all that delicious cinnamon filling. Placing the log seam-side down in your prepared loaf pan helps maintain the bread’s shape while it finishes rising.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the loaf pan again and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes. This final rise ensures your bread will be soft and fluffy, and the swirl will be beautifully defined once baked.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden brown and gives a hollow sound when tapped—such a satisfying sound that means you’re close to a delicious reward.

Step 9: Cool the Bread

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling prevents sogginess and makes it easier to slice, showing off those gorgeous cinnamon swirls inside.

Step 10: Optional Vanilla Glaze

If you want to elevate your Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Optional Vanilla Glaze Recipe even more, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the cooled bread to add a shiny, sweet finishing touch that enhances every bite.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Optional Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

To complement this already sweet and flavorful bread, try garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder or a few chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and warmth. A dusting of powdered sugar on top of the glaze can make it look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with creamy spreads like whipped butter, cream cheese, or even a smear of honey for a natural sweetness. Serve it alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate for a truly cozy experience that will brighten your morning or afternoon break.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, slice the bread thick and toast it slightly before serving with a twist of butter melting on top. You can also cut the bread into cubes and use it as a base for bread pudding, or serve toasted slices with fruit preserves, turning this Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Optional Vanilla Glaze Recipe into a versatile treat for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cinnamon Swirl Bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days. This will keep the bread soft and flavorful without drying out, perfect for enjoying as a quick snack or breakfast.

Freezing

If you want to keep this bread around longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. When you want a delicious treat, just thaw it at room temperature or give it a quick toast.

Reheating

Reheat slices by popping them into a toaster or warming in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, which helps revive that freshly baked texture and aroma. If glazing, drizzle after warming for the best visual and flavor impact.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing in warm milk. Just reduce the rising time slightly as instant yeast works faster.

Is it necessary to use warm milk?

Yes, warm milk is crucial for activating the yeast properly. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the dough might not rise well. Aim for around 110°F (45°C) for best results.

Can I skip the vanilla glaze?

Yes, the vanilla glaze is optional and the bread is delicious on its own. The glaze adds a lovely sweetness and sheen, but the cinnamon swirl makes the bread naturally flavorful even without it.

How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar from leaking out during baking?

Leaving a one-inch border around the dough when spreading your filling and sealing the rolled dough tightly along the seam helps keep the cinnamon sugar inside while baking.

What makes this recipe different from regular cinnamon bread?

This Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Optional Vanilla Glaze Recipe stands out because of the tender, enriched dough combined with the deep brown sugar cinnamon filling and that optional vanilla glaze which all come together to make a flavorful, aromatic loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about pulling a warm loaf of homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread from the oven, especially when topped with that optional vanilla glaze that adds an extra layer of indulgence. This recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to fill your kitchen with the comforting scents of cinnamon and vanilla. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Optional Vanilla Glaze Recipe and make it your own—whether it becomes a weekend baking ritual or your go-to gift for friends, it’s bound to bring joy to anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

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