I’ve always loved the warm, comforting smell of freshly baked bread filling my kitchen. When I discovered this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread recipe, it instantly became one of my favorites to make and share. It combines the soft, fluffy texture of sweet bread with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon sugar, making every bite feel like a cozy, homemade treat.
You will love this recipe because it offers the perfect balance between a classic cinnamon roll and a sweet bread loaf. It’s soft, moist, and loaded with that familiar cinnamon sugar goodness, making it ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Plus, the sugary crust adds a delightful crunch, giving the bread an extra layer of texture.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it plain, with a light glaze, or even toast slices and spread some butter or cream cheese on top. It works wonderfully for gatherings, potlucks, or just a special treat for yourself. It’s also perfect for customizing with nuts, raisins, or other favorite add-ins.
Affordability is another reason I keep coming back to this recipe. It uses simple pantry staples that you probably already have on hand, which means no expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. This makes it easy to whip up whenever you crave something sweet and satisfying.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup warm milk
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
With these ingredients, you’ll create a tender, sweet bread with that perfect cinnamon sugar coating that makes it feel like a classic donut in loaf form.
Preparing this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is a rewarding experience that fills your home with warmth and the smell of cinnamon-spiced sweetness. The process is straightforward, making it perfect even if you are new to baking sweet bread. Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully, and you will achieve a soft, flavorful loaf every time.
How to Prepare This Recipe
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Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) with the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir gently, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to work.
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt.
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Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully mixed.
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Form the dough: Pour the frothy yeast mixture and the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a mixer until a shaggy dough forms.
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Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for about 8 to 10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky but not overly wet.
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First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
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Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with the 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set aside.
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Shape the dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it back to the floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle roughly 12 by 18 inches.
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Add cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the rolled dough.
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Roll and slice: Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 8 to 10 equal pieces.
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Arrange and second rise: Lightly grease a loaf pan and place the sliced dough pieces upright, side by side. Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The bread should sound hollow when tapped.
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Cool and coat: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool for about 10 minutes. While still warm, roll the top of the loaf in the remaining cinnamon sugar to give it that signature sweet crust.
This recipe is quick and easy thanks to the simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s also highly customizable — you can add chopped nuts, raisins, or a light vanilla glaze after baking for extra flavor and texture. Because of its comforting flavor and soft texture, it’s popular with many people, from kids to adults. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat anytime.
Using turkey bacon or chicken ham on the side can add a savory contrast to your sweet bread, making your meal even more satisfying without adding complexity. This bread pairs well with coffee, tea, or a simple glass of milk.
Give it a try—you’ll be impressed by how simple ingredients transform into something so delicious.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread offers a delightful combination of soft, fluffy bread and a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it brings the cozy flavor of cinnamon donuts in an easy-to-make loaf. This recipe uses simple ingredients and is customizable for different tastes.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a small bowl; let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Beat eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
- Add yeast mixture and wet ingredients to dry ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
- Knead dough on floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Mix 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon for coating; set aside.
- Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle; sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over it.
- Roll dough tightly from the long edge into a log; slice into 8–10 pieces.
- Place slices upright in a greased loaf pan; cover and let rise 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool 10 minutes; roll top in remaining cinnamon sugar while warm.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing chopped nuts or raisins into the dough before the first rise.
Turkey bacon or chicken ham pairs well as a savory side.
Use milk alternatives if desired; keep the liquid warm for yeast activation.
Store bread at room temperature in airtight packaging for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dough without a stand mixer?
A: Yes, kneading by hand works perfectly fine. Just knead on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Q: How should I store the bread to keep it fresh?
A: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. It stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend freshness but let it come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Absolutely. Wrap the fully cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving.
Q: Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
A: You can try using a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind texture and rise may differ, so it might require some experimentation.
Q: Can I substitute any ingredients?
A: You can swap whole milk for any milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk. Just make sure it’s warm for activating the yeast. You can also replace butter with a plant-based alternative if needed.
Q: How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
A: The loaf should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) also indicates doneness.