If you love soft bread with a sweet twist, sourdough cinnamon bread is the perfect recipe to try. This loaf combines the natural flavor of sourdough with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a comforting and delicious bread.
Unlike traditional sourdough loaves, this recipe is enriched with milk, butter, sugar, and egg, which results in a softer texture and slightly sweet flavor. The cinnamon swirl adds beautiful layers and makes every slice visually appealing.
This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It can be enjoyed fresh, toasted, or even turned into French toast.
In this complete guide, you will learn how to make sourdough cinnamon bread step by step, along with tips to achieve a soft crumb and a perfect swirl.
Ingredients
Dough
3 cups bread flour
1 cup active sourdough starter
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Filling
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Use warm milk at 26–28°C (78–82°F) to support fermentation.
Why This Recipe Works
This bread uses an enriched dough, meaning it includes fat (butter), sugar, and eggs. These ingredients:
- Make the bread softer and richer
- Add sweetness and flavor
- Improve moisture and shelf life
The sourdough starter provides natural fermentation, giving the bread a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Method
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl combine:
- bread flour
- sourdough starter
- warm milk
- sugar
- egg
- butter
- salt
Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky.
First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover.
Let it rise for:
- 4–6 hours
- At 24–26°C (75–79°F)
The dough should double in size.
Roll and Add Filling
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Roll it into a rectangle.
Spread softened butter over the surface.
Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
Cinnamon Swirl Layers
Shape the Dough
Roll the dough tightly into a log from one end.
Place the log into a greased loaf pan.
This creates the classic cinnamon swirl pattern inside the bread.
Second Rise
Cover and let the dough rise again for:
- 1–2 hours
The dough should become slightly puffy and fill the pan.
Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
If the top browns too quickly, lightly cover it with foil during baking.
Cool Before Slicing
Allow the bread to cool for 20–30 minutes before slicing.
This helps the swirl set and improves texture.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Bread
Roll the dough tightly to create clean swirl layers.
Do not overfill with sugar to prevent gaps inside the loaf.
Use an active sourdough starter for proper rise.
Avoid overbaking to keep the bread soft.
Let the bread cool before cutting to avoid tearing the swirl.
Flavor Variations
Raisin Cinnamon Bread
Add 1/2 cup raisins to the filling for extra sweetness.
Nutty Cinnamon Bread
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Orange Cinnamon Bread
Add orange zest to the dough for a fresh citrus flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delicious in many ways:
Serve warm with butter
Toast slices for breakfast
Use for French toast
Pair with tea or coffee
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days if needed.
Freeze slices for up to 1 month and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but bread flour provides better structure and texture.
Why is my swirl separating?
This may happen if the dough was not rolled tightly enough.
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less rich.
Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?
Yes. Cold fermentation can improve flavor.
Conclusion
Sourdough cinnamon bread is a perfect blend of soft enriched dough and sweet cinnamon flavor. With its beautiful swirl and tender texture, it is a comforting homemade bread that works for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
By following this step-by-step recipe, you can easily create a bakery-style loaf at home. Once you try it, this sweet sourdough bread may become one of your favorite recipes.