Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Icing

Introduction

Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Icing is the ultimate comfort-baked good. Imagine a soft, tender loaf of slightly sweet bread layered with buttery cinnamon-sugar swirls and topped with a simple icing drizzle. It’s warm, cozy, and indulgent — like a hug in every slice. This bread is not only a delightful treat for breakfast or brunch but also makes a beautiful centerpiece on a dessert table.

The aroma of cinnamon filling your kitchen as this bread bakes is reason enough to love it. Pair that with the satisfying swirl design and a sweet icing drizzle, and you’ve got a loaf that looks just as good as it tastes.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the best of two worlds: the homey goodness of cinnamon rolls and the structure of a beautiful loaf of bread. The swirl inside makes it visually stunning, and the drizzle of icing adds that bakery-style touch. It’s versatile — equally perfect for casual breakfasts, festive brunches, or as a sweet gift to friends.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Flavorful: Sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and a buttery dough.
• Comforting: Smells like heaven when baking.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.
• Crowd-pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead friendly: Freezes beautifully for future cravings.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hr 30 min rising)
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories: ~280 per slice (with icing)
• Cuisine: American / Bakery-style
• Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk (or cream)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make dough and let rise.
2. Roll dough, spread cinnamon filling, and roll into a log.
3. Place in loaf pan, rise again, and bake.
4. Cool slightly, drizzle icing, and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix yeast with warm milk and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms.
4. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: First Rise

1. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until paste-like.

Step 4: Shape the Bread

1. Roll dough into a 9x12-inch rectangle.
2. Spread cinnamon mixture evenly over dough.
3. Roll tightly into a log, seam side down.
4. Place into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until dough reaches the pan’s edge.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Let cool for 15 minutes before icing.

Step 7: Add the Icing

1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Drizzle over warm bread.

How to Serve

• Slice and serve warm with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
• Toast slices lightly and spread with butter for breakfast.
• Serve as a sweet brunch centerpiece.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Tent foil over bread if browning too quickly.
• Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Don’t skip cooling — slicing too early may cause swirl to fall apart.
• For extra indulgence, add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling.

Variations

• Cream Cheese Icing: Swap regular icing with a tangy cream cheese drizzle.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Bread: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
• Nutty Swirl: Add pecans or walnuts with the cinnamon sugar.
• Glaze-free: Skip icing for a less sweet, breakfast-friendly loaf.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Store up to 5 days (rewarm slices before serving).
• Freezing: Freeze loaf (without icing) for up to 2 months. Thaw and add icing before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x5-inch loaf pan
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Dough scraper (optional)

Conclusion

Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Icing is a warm, sweet, and comforting bake that brings together the joy of homemade bread with the indulgence of cinnamon rolls. With its beautiful swirl and bakery-style icing, this loaf is as eye-catching as it is delicious. Whether you serve it at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.