Cinnamon Stuffed Bread Recipe
If you love the aroma of warm cinnamon and the comfort of fresh-baked bread, you’re in for a treat with this Cinnamon Stuffed Bread Recipe. I stumbled upon this gem during a chilly weekend, and it instantly became a favorite in my kitchen. It’s soft, buttered, and deeply stuffed with cinnamon sugar — honestly, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my best tips to help you nail it perfectly!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses accessible pantry staples and frozen dough to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect Cinnamon Swirls: Deep cuts in the dough allow cinnamon sugar to really soak in, creating delicious pockets of flavor.
- Moist and Fluffy Texture: Butter coating and proper rising time ensure a soft, tender crumb that’s irresistible.
- Quick Icing Finish: A simple powdered sugar glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without making it heavy.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Cinnamon Stuffed Bread Recipe is straightforward in terms of ingredients, which means there’s less fuss and more fun in the kitchen. Each item plays a crucial role, especially the frozen bread dough, which makes this both a quick and delicious project. Here’s a quick rundown of each ingredient and why you’ll want to use quality versions when you can.
- Frozen bread dough: Using pre-made Rhodes Bake-N-Serve dough saves so much effort — no kneading or waiting for yeast to activate, just thaw and roll.
- Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and richness while helping the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully inside the cuts.
- Granulated sugar: The crunch of sugar mixed with cinnamon creates the classic sweet-spicy filling that makes this bread addictive.
- Ground cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon packs the warm, spicy flavor punch that’s key to this recipe’s magic.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the icing, this helps create a smooth, velvety drizzle that balances the cinnamon’s warmth.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens the icing with subtle depth and complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Milk: Added to the icing for the right consistency — don’t skip this or your glaze could be too thick or thin.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Cinnamon Stuffed Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re feeling traditional or want to switch things up with fillings or toppings, this bread is a blank canvas that welcomes creativity.
- Variation: A while back, I swapped part of the granulated sugar for brown sugar in the cinnamon mix — it adds a lovely molasses undertone that’s so cozy, especially in fall.
- Dietary swaps: If you want to make it dairy-free, simply substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk in the icing — tastes just as dreamy!
- Extra fillings: Feel like a little crunch? Toss some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar before stuffing the bread cuts.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar adds complexity that’s delightful for a special occasion.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Stuffed Bread Recipe
Step 1: Thaw Your Bread Dough
This is the first step where patience pays off: take your frozen loaves out and let them thaw at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours, or overnight in the fridge if you’re prepping ahead. Trust me, rushing this step results in tougher bread — slow and steady wins the soft, pillowy texture you want.
Step 2: Prep Your Pans and Score the Loaves
Spray your 9-inch bread pans lightly with non-stick spray so the loaves don’t stick after baking. Then, take each thawed loaf and make four deep cuts almost all the way through — I like to leave a finger-width at the bottom so the bread holds together but opens like a flower to hold the cinnamon sugar inside.
Step 3: Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Time
This is where the magic really happens. Use a brush or your fingers to coat every inch inside each cut with melted butter. Don’t skimp here because the butter keeps the bread moist and helps the cinnamon sugar stick and melt into every nook. Then, mix your granulated sugar and cinnamon in a wide dish and roll the loaves gently in it—be generous stuffing the cuts with a thick coating of that sweet cinnamon goodness.
Step 4: Let it Rise
Pop your stuffed bread into the pans, cover with a light tea towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour. You’ll be amazed at how much fluffier and bigger the loaves get — this step is essential so you get that tender rise and perfect crumb.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a gorgeous golden brown crust, and do the classic thump test on the bottom of the loaf — it should sound hollow, which means it’s perfectly baked. Let your bread cool for about 10 minutes; this resting time helps the bread finish setting up before glazing.
Step 6: Drizzle On the Glaze
I whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to make a smooth glaze that’s just sweet enough without overpowering the cinnamon. Add milk slowly until you get that perfect pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the warm loaves—and enjoy the wafting aroma as it melts into the bread.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Rush Thawing: Giving your dough time to thaw fully ensures it’s soft and easy to cut, so your cinnamon sugar nestles perfectly inside.
- Generous Butter Coating: I’ve learned through trial that the more thorough you are with butter, the better the crumb and the moistness of the bread.
- Use a Wide Dish for Cinnamon Sugar: It’s easier to coat the bread evenly, and you can really press the sugar mixture into the cuts without losing it.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Don’t overbake — golden brown and hollow sounds are your signals. Overbaking dries out the bread.
How to Serve Cinnamon Stuffed Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep the topping simple with just the glaze, but sometimes I sprinkle a few extra cinnamon crystals or finely chopped toasted pecans on top right after drizzling the icing. It adds a little crunch and makes the bread look extra special.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea. For breakfast or brunch, I enjoy it alongside fresh fruit or a smear of cream cheese for a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings or brunch parties, I slice the bread into thick wedges and stack them on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of honey, jam, and nuts. It becomes this cozy centerpiece you can’t stop reaching for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Cinnamon Stuffed Bread cools completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container at room temperature. From my experience, it keeps its fresh taste for up to three days — just like it came out of the oven!
Freezing
I’ve frozen fully baked loaves by double wrapping them in foil and freezing in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up briefly in the oven to revive that fresh-baked feeling.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. If you want it softer, wrap in foil before warming, or add a pat of butter on top for an extra luscious touch.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer making your own dough, you can easily substitute it in. Just make sure your dough has finished its first rise before you score, butter, and stuff it like the recipe instructs.
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How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Look for a golden brown crust and do a gentle thump on the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, your bread is perfectly baked and ready to come out.
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Can I make the bread ahead of time?
Yes! Once your bread is stuffed in the pans, you can cover and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to bring it out and let it rise at room temperature before baking.
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Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Cinnamon stuffed bread relies on gluten for that signature chewy, fluffy texture. You could try a gluten-free bread dough substitute, but results may vary; experiments with gluten-free flours and store-bought dough options work best.
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What can I serve this bread with for brunch?
Serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or even your favorite savory egg dishes for a balanced brunch. Warm coffee or spiced tea are perfect beverages to enhance the cinnamon flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Stuffed Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just a treat — it’s the smell of cozy mornings and the smile it brings when you share it fresh from the oven. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own little slice of happiness. Once you get the hang of it, you might even find yourself baking it when you don’t have guests — just because it’s THAT good. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Cinnamon Stuffed 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 creates soft, sweet loaves with a rich cinnamon sugar filling. Made using frozen Rhodes Bake-N-Serve bread dough, these breads are coated with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking to golden perfection. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, these loaves are perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.
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
Icing
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Thaw Bread: 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.
- Slice Bread: Cut 4 deep cuts into each loaf nearly all the way through, leaving a small piece connected at the bottom.
- Butter Bread: Coat the entire bread with melted butter, ensuring the inside of each cut is well coated.
- Apply Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a wide dish. Roll the bread gently in the cinnamon sugar, making a thick coat and stuffing each cut with plenty of cinnamon sugar.
- Rise Bread: Place each loaf in a prepared pan and cover with a light tea towel. Allow the bread to rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Bread: Bake loaves for 25 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Icing: While bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add extra milk for desired consistency.
- Glaze Bread: Drizzle the icing over the warm bread and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can fully assemble the bread and refrigerate it overnight in the loaf pan; let it rise at room temperature before baking the next day.
- Use room temperature butter for easier spreading.
- Ensure the bread rises fully for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
