I made this cinnamon bread on a chilly morning when I wanted something warm, comforting, and just a little indulgent — and let me tell you, it hit the spot. It reminded me of that cinnamon swirl bread they sell at Costco in those two-packs — the kind you tear into before even getting it home. But this one? It’s homemade, smells like a bakery, and has even more flavor packed into every slice.
It’s soft, just sweet enough, with a beautiful cinnamon-sugar swirl that gives you that cozy, slightly nostalgic vibe. Perfect toasted with a little butter or turned into French toast if you’re feeling fancy. This one’s gonna be a regular in my house — no doubt about it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cinnamon bread is soft and pillowy, with the perfect swirl of cinnamon and sugar that gives every slice a little burst of cozy sweetness. It’s made with simple ingredients, no preservatives, and tastes just like (or better than) the Costco version — especially when it’s still warm from the oven.
Whether you eat it toasted, buttered, turned into French toast, or straight from the loaf, it’s the kind of bread that makes mornings feel special and weekends feel slower. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can always have some on hand.
What You’ll Need
For the dough
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
For the cinnamon swirl
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons softened butter (for spreading)
Optional topping
- Melted butter for brushing
- Extra cinnamon-sugar for sprinkling
Pro Tips
- Keep liquids warm, not hot — around 110°F to activate yeast.
- Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot.
- Roll tightly when adding cinnamon swirl for a clean spiral.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle sugar on top for extra flavor.
- Let bread cool at least 30 minutes before slicing to keep the swirl intact.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Rolling pin
- Loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5 or 9 x 5)
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Pastry brush (optional)
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
- Egg-free: Skip the egg and add 1 more tablespoon melted butter.
- Swirl options: Add raisins or nuts to the cinnamon filling.
- Glaze it: Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze for dessert vibes.
- Whole wheat: Replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat flour.
Make Ahead Tips
Mix the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. In the morning, shape, rise, and bake.
Baked loaves freeze well — cool, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Slice before freezing for grab-and-go pieces.
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top, let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
Stir in melted butter, salt, and egg. Add flour gradually until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface 6–8 minutes until smooth.
3. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and rise 1–1 ½ hours until doubled.
4. Mix Cinnamon Sugar
Combine cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
5. Roll and Fill
Punch dough down, roll into an 8×14-inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mix.
6. Shape the Loaf
Roll tightly from the short end, seal seam, and place seam-side down in greased loaf pan.
7. Second Rise
Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffed about 1 inch above the pan.
8. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and 190–200°F inside. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
9. Cool & Serve
Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then on a rack at least 30 minutes. Brush with butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Toast with butter or cream cheese
- Turn into French toast or casserole
- Sweet sandwich with nut butter and banana
- Serve with eggs and fruit for breakfast
- Pair with coffee, chai, or milk
Leftovers & Storage
Store wrapped at room temp up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week. Freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat slices in the toaster or oven at 300°F for 5–8 minutes.
Nutrition & Benefits
Homemade cinnamon bread skips preservatives and is made with real ingredients — milk, eggs, butter, and warming spices. Cinnamon offers antioxidants and cozy flavor, while you control the sweetness and add-ins.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, just skip the proofing and mix directly.
Why is my swirl separating?
Usually from rolling too loosely — roll tightly and seal edges.
Can I make this in a bread machine?
Yes, use dough cycle, then shape, rise, and bake.
Can I double the swirl?
Definitely — it’ll be sweeter and gooier, just watch for leaks.
Can I make rolls instead?
Yes, roll into spirals and bake in a muffin tin for cinnamon rolls.
The Final Slice
This Costco-style cinnamon bread is soft, swirled with warm spice, and totally worth baking from scratch. It brings that nostalgic, sweet bakery flavor into your own kitchen — no weird ingredients or packaging needed. Whether you’re toasting a slice or making something fancy with it, this bread makes home baking feel extra special.