Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe
If you’re searching for a warm, comforting treat that feels like a hug in bread form, you’re going to absolutely love this Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe. I’ve made it countless times, and whether it’s a weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon snack, this bread always hits the spot. It’s fluffy, buttery, and packed with that irresistible cinnamon sugar goodness that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it has an easy homemade vibe even though it starts with frozen dough, so you get the best of both worlds – convenience and wow factor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Convenience meets freshness: Using frozen bread dough takes the hassle out of making bread from scratch but still delivers that fresh-baked aroma and soft texture.
- Generous cinnamon sugar filling: Cutting deep slits and stuffing them with cinnamon sugar ensures every bite is swirled with flavor, not just the surface.
- Buttery richness: Melting butter and coating each cut keeps the bread moist and enhances the cinnamon sugar sticking perfectly.
- Sweet glaze finish: The quick vanilla icing drizzle adds just the right touch of sweetness and shine, making it look beautiful and taste even better.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe plays its part to create a sweet, soft loaf with that signature cinnamon warmth. The frozen dough is a time-saver, and the mix of granulated and powdered sugars deliver crunch and glaze that balance perfectly.
- Frozen bread dough: My favorite shortcut without sacrificing homemade bread vibes—Rhodes Bake-N-Serve is reliable for this bread.
- Butter: Melted to soak the bread’s crevices, locking in moisture and helping cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon for that classic crunchy, sweet swirl inside the bread.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that brings cozy warmth and aroma in every slice.
- Powdered sugar: For the smooth icing that tops the bread with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle fragrant boost to the icing, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Milk: Used to thin the icing to a perfect drizzle consistency.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love experimenting with this Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe — sometimes adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping granulated sugar for brown sugar to deepen the flavor. You can easily customize it to match whatever you’re craving or what you have on hand.
- Variation: Adding chopped nuts or raisins into the cinnamon sugar mixture makes it a bit more indulgent, and trust me, it’s a game changer for weekend brunch.
- Dietary Tip: For a dairy-free twist, swap the butter with a vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk for the icing.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer less sugar, feel free to reduce the sugar in the cinnamon mix or drizzle less icing on top.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe
Step 1: Thaw and Prep the Dough
I always start by thawing the frozen loaves right on my kitchen counter, letting them get soft over 3 to 4 hours—this gives the bread the perfect texture for slicing deep cuts without breaking apart. If you’re tight on time, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge instead.
Step 2: Make Deep Slices and Butter Each Loaf
Once thawed, spray your bread pans with non-stick spray so the bread slides out easily. Next, cut four deep slits almost to the bottom of each loaf. This step is essential because those cuts become pockets for the buttery cinnamon sugar goodness. I like using a serrated knife here to get clean cuts without squishing the dough. Then, coat each loaf thoroughly with melted butter, making sure the insides of those cuts get plenty of love. This step keeps the bread moist and flavorful all the way through.
Step 3: Coat Loaves with Cinnamon Sugar
Mix your sugar and cinnamon in a wide, shallow dish. Then, gently roll each bread in the cinnamon sugar, pressing a thick layer into the cuts. Don’t be shy here—this is where the magic happens. I usually toss a little extra cinnamon sugar into those slits by hand after rolling, ensuring every bite tastes like a cinnamon dream.
Step 4: Let the Bread Rise
Pop the loaves into your greased pans, cover them lightly with a towel, and set them somewhere warm for about an hour. Watching that dough double in size is such a satisfying part of the process – it’s like you know you’re one step closer to fresh-baked goodness!
Step 5: Bake and Drizzle with Icing
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the loaves for about 20 to 25 minutes until golden and when you tap the bottom, it sounds hollow — that’s your sign the bread is perfectly baked. Let them cool for 10 minutes before mixing up that quick icing: powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash or two of milk whisked together until smooth and drizzly. I like to go with just enough to create a gentle fudge-like drizzle over the warm bread. It finishes the presentation and ups the sweet factor without being too heavy.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe
- Choose quality frozen dough: I’ve found Rhodes Bake-N-Serve works best because it rises nicely and has a light texture perfect for this recipe.
- Don’t rush the rise: Letting the dough double in size is critical—skip this and your bread will be denser and less fluffy.
- Pack the cinnamon sugar generously: That extra sugar-cinnamon in the slits prevents dry bites and adds sweet bursts throughout every slice.
- Apply the icing while warm: Drizzling the glaze on warm bread helps it melt in beautifully instead of just sitting on top.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple and serve this cinnamon bread with a light dusting of powdered sugar and maybe a pat of butter. Sometimes, I add a handful of toasted pecans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the icing for an unexpected pop of flavor that really impresses guests.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I love serving it alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy scrambled eggs plate to balance the sweetness with some savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special occasions, I’ve arranged slices on a wooden board topped with mini jars of cinnamon butter or honey for a make-your-own topping station that’s always a hit. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a charming edible gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, I wrap leftover loaves tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the bread soft and fresh for up to 3 days. Just bring it back to room temp before serving!
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well. I slice the loaf before freezing and individually wrap pieces in foil or plastic wrap, then stash them in a freezer bag. When I want a quick treat, I just thaw a slice overnight in the fridge or let it sit out for a couple hours.
Reheating
To maintain that fresh-baked vibe, I reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at low temp (around 300°F) for 5–7 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven method keeps the crust a little crisper and the center tender and warm.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen for this Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh bread dough works just as well—just follow the recipe steps for slicing, buttering, and cinnamon sugar stuffing. Keep in mind that rising times might be shorter with fresh dough because it’s already active.
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Can I make the cinnamon sugar bread gluten-free?
You’d need to start with a gluten-free bread dough base. Some specialty gluten-free frozen dough options are available, but results may vary. Alternatively, you could experiment with gluten-free dough recipes that have similar texture and shape.
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How long does this bread keep fresh?
Stored at room temperature in an airtight container once fully cooled, the bread stays fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet to maintain texture and flavor.
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Can I skip the icing?
Of course! The bread is delicious without the glaze if you prefer to keep it less sweet or want to save time. The cinnamon sugar filling still gives great flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe has been my go-to when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours of prep. Its ease, buttery cinnamon swirls, and that irresistible glaze make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time. I really hope you give it a try—it’s like baking a little happiness into your day, no matter the season.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 loaves
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Bread Recipe transforms frozen bread dough into a warm, sweet, and fragrant treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. The loaves are sliced and coated generously with cinnamon sugar, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 3 loaves frozen bread dough, Rhodes Bake – N – Serve
- ¾ cup butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup ground cinnamon
Vanilla Icing
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Thaw Dough: Place the frozen bread dough loaves on a tray and let them thaw at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours or refrigerate overnight to thaw completely.
- Prepare Pans: Spray three 9-inch bread pans with non-stick cooking spray and set aside for later use.
- Score the Loaves: Make 4 deep cuts nearly through each loaf, leaving a small piece connected at the bottom to keep the loaf intact while opening the cuts.
- Butter the Bread: Brush the melted butter all over the bread loaves, paying special attention to coat the inside of each cut thoroughly.
- Apply Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a wide dish. Roll each buttered loaf gently in the cinnamon sugar, creating a thick coating and stuff each cut with plenty of the mixture.
- Let Rise: Place each loaf into prepared bread pans and cover loosely with a light tea towel. Allow the bread to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) while the bread is rising.
- Bake: Bake the risen loaves for 25 minutes or until golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before icing.
- Prepare Icing: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk. Whisk until smooth, adding more milk as needed to reach desired drizzling consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla icing over the warm bread loaves and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil in an airtight container at room temperature; best consumed within 3 days.
- You can prepare the bread fully including cuts, butter, and cinnamon sugar, then refrigerate covered overnight before allowing it to rise at room temperature prior to baking.
- Use non-stick spray or butter to grease pans to prevent sticking during baking.
- Ensure the bread is fully thawed before slicing and applying cinnamon sugar to avoid tearing.
- Adjust the icing consistency with milk to your preference for a thicker glaze or a more runny drizzle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
