Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe
If you’re craving a sweet, buttery treat that’s absolutely irresistible, you’ve got to try this Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside—perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon coffee breaks. Trust me, once you make it, this will become your go-to comfort bread. I can’t wait to share all my tips to help you nail this deliciously soft and sugary loaf every time!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses frozen bread dough to keep it easy but taste homemade.
- Perfect Cinnamon Swirl: Deep slits filled generously with cinnamon sugar to get that iconic flavor in every bite.
- Soft & Buttery Texture: Melted butter coats every nook, ensuring moistness and richness.
- Quick Icing Glaze: A simple vanilla glaze ties everything together for a sweet finish that’s not overpowering.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Choosing the right ingredients can make or break your cinnamon sugar bread, but luckily this recipe keeps it straightforward and foolproof. I love using frozen Rhodes Bake – N – Serve bread dough—it bakes up fresh and fluffy like you made it from scratch but without the fuss of yeast prep. Plus, the blend of cinnamon and sugar is the classic combo that delivers all the comfort you want.

- Frozen bread dough: Using pre-made dough takes the guesswork out of bread-making and ensures consistent results.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick inside the bread cuts.
- Granulated sugar: The classic sweet base pairs perfectly with cinnamon for that essential cinnamon sugar mix.
- Ground cinnamon: Choose fresh ground cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor.
- Powdered sugar: This is the base for the glaze; it blends smoothly without lumps.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth to the icing that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Milk: Helps thin out the glaze to your ideal consistency—don’t add too much at once!
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe just the way it is, but don’t be afraid to tweak it! Adding nuts, raisins, or even a little cream cheese swirl can make it feel fresh each time. It’s your bread, so make it yours.
- Variation: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans inside the cuts for extra crunch and flavor—totally elevates the experience.
- Dietary tweaks: For a lighter version, swap out some butter for applesauce, but keep at least half the butter for that perfect richness.
- Extra gooey: Adding a thin layer of cream cheese filling in between the cuts takes indulgence to the next level.
- Spicing it up: Feel free to mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a subtle twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe
Step 1: Thaw and Prep the Dough
Start by placing your frozen bread loaves on a tray to thaw at room temperature, which usually takes around 3 to 4 hours. You can also thaw them in the fridge overnight if that fits your schedule better. Patience here is key—the dough needs to be soft and pliable, not cold or hard, to get those beautiful deep cuts without squishing the bread.
Step 2: Make Your Cuts and Butter It Up
Spray your 9-inch bread pans with a non-stick cooking spray and set them aside. Next, with a sharp knife, make 4 deep cuts into each loaf—cut almost all the way down, leaving the bottom still connected. Don’t rush here; take your time to get nice clean cuts so the cinnamon sugar can really nestle inside. Brush the melted butter generously over every inch of the bread, making sure it seeps into the cuts.
Step 3: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar and Rise
Mix your granulated sugar and cinnamon in a wide dish. Now, gently roll the buttered bread in this mixture so it coats every surface. Stuff each slit with heaps of cinnamon sugar—that’s the secret to that mouthwatering swirl. Place the loaf in your pan and cover it with a light tea towel. Let it rise somewhere warm for about an hour until it doubles in size. This rise step makes all the difference!
Step 4: Bake and Glaze to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes—look for a golden-brown color and the satisfying hollow sound when you tap the bottom. After removing it from the oven, let it cool for around 10 minutes before glazing. While it cools, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of milk together until smooth. Add milk slowly till your glaze is just the right drizzle consistency. Pour it over your warm bread and get ready for bliss!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe
- Don’t Rush Thawing: Give the dough plenty of time to thaw completely—cutting frozen or cold dough can make tearing happen instead of neat slices.
- Generous Cinnamon Sugar: Don’t skimp on stuffing the cuts; it’s what delivers that gooey cinnamon flavor in every bite.
- Warm Rising Spot: Find a warm, draft-free place for the dough to rise; I often use the oven with the light on or near a sunny window.
- Glaze Consistency: Add milk slowly to the glaze so it’s easy to drizzle but not runny enough to pool and drown your bread.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with this cinnamon sugar bread recipe—just the glaze on top is enough to make it special. But if I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle a bit of crushed pecans or even a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving. It adds a little crunch and a nice visual pop!
Side Dishes
This bread is quite a showstopper on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a smooth latte. For something heartier, serve alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt dip—that way you get a balance of sweet and tangy flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or brunch with friends, I slice the cinnamon sugar bread thick, stack the slices on a decorative platter, and drizzle extra glaze right before serving. Add a few sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers for a fresh touch. I’ve also wrapped individual slices in parchment with twine for a charming gift idea—everyone loved that!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your bread cools completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then pop it into an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and soft for up to three days that way. I usually find that it tastes even better when fed slightly warmed the next day!
Freezing
I’ve frozen assembled but unbaked bread (with the cinnamon sugar) by wrapping it extra tightly and placing it in the freezer. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then let it rise before baking. You can also freeze baked slices—just make sure to wrap each slice individually to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
For the best warmth and softness, I reheat slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. If I’m in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds works, but the oven method really revives that fresh-baked texture and keeps the cinnamon sugar swirl gooey.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer making your bread dough from scratch, feel free to use it here. Just make sure your dough is fully proofed and soft enough to cut without tearing so you get those lovely cinnamon sugar swirls inside.
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What’s the best way to get deep cuts in the dough without it tearing?
A sharp knife and fully thawed, soft dough are your best friends here. Cut slowly and firmly, stopping just before the bottom crust to leave the loaf intact. This creates perfect pockets for the cinnamon sugar.
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Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but I’d recommend you don’t! The glaze adds a sweet, creamy finishing touch that balances the spices and keeps each slice moist. If you want, a dusting of powdered sugar can be a lighter alternative.
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How long does it take to make this Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe from start to finish?
Plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes total—10 minutes prep, 1 hour for rising, and about 20-25 minutes baking. It’s pretty quick considering how amazing your kitchen will smell!
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe is one of those magical breads that’s easy enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for guests or special occasions. It perfectly balances buttery richness with warm cinnamon, and the easy icing makes it feel a little indulgent without being complicated. I hope you give it a try soon—you’re going to love the way it fills your kitchen with cozy vibes and your plate with happiness. Happy baking, friend!
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 features soft, buttery loaves infused with a rich cinnamon sugar coating and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Using frozen Rhodes Bake-N-Serve bread dough makes it easy to prepare a delicious homemade bread with a tender crumb and sweet, spiced flavor perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Bread and Coating
- 3 loaves frozen bread dough, Rhodes Bake-N-Serve
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Thaw the dough: Place frozen loaves on a tray and thaw at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours, or thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Prepare pans: Spray 9-inch bread pans with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Score the dough: Cut 4 deep cuts nearly all the way through each loaf, leaving a small piece connected at the bottom.
- Butter the bread: Coat each loaf completely with melted butter, making sure to get inside each cut thoroughly.
- Apply cinnamon sugar: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a wide dish, then roll each bread loaf gently in the mixture, creating a thick coat and stuffing each cut with plenty of cinnamon sugar.
- Let the bread rise: Place each loaf into prepared pans, cover with a light tea towel, and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the bread is rising.
- Bake the bread: Bake the loaves for 25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool slightly: Remove bread from oven and cool for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Add more milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the icing over the warm bread before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil in an airtight container to keep fresh for up to 3 days.
- You can assemble the bread fully (making slits, buttering, and coating with cinnamon sugar) and refrigerate overnight before baking the next day; just allow it to rise at room temperature before baking.
- Make sure to coat inside the cuts well with butter and cinnamon sugar for maximum flavor.
- Use a light tea towel to cover the dough during rising to prevent drying while allowing the bread to breathe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of a loaf)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg


