Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread is the kind of recipe that instantly feels like home. Soft, tender dough wrapped around a buttery cinnamon sugar swirl creates a loaf that is comforting, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying. This bread bakes up golden on the outside and pillowy on the inside, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat. Because Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread uses simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward method, it is approachable even for beginner bakers.
What makes Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread truly special is how familiar it feels. The smell of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen, the warmth of a freshly baked loaf, and the sweet glaze dripping down the sides all combine to create something timeless. This is not just bread. It is a memory baked into every slice.
A short personal story
Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread always reminds me of quiet afternoons when the house felt warm and unhurried. I remember watching dough rise on the counter while cinnamon and sugar waited in a small bowl nearby. When the bread finally came out of the oven, it never lasted long. Someone always cut into it before it fully cooled, unable to resist the smell. Even now, baking Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread brings back that same feeling of comfort and patience, where simple ingredients turn into something meaningful.
Why Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread Is So Beloved
A soft, enriched dough that stays tender
The base of Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread is a lightly sweetened yeast dough enriched with milk, butter, and egg. This combination creates a texture that is soft without being heavy. Because the dough is kneaded until elastic, it bakes into a loaf that slices cleanly while staying moist.
Unlike dense quick breads, this yeast dough rises slowly and evenly. That gentle rise allows air pockets to form, which gives Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread its signature fluffy crumb.
Cinnamon sugar that melts into every layer
The cinnamon sugar filling does more than add sweetness. As the bread bakes, the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, seeping into the rolled layers of dough. This process creates a ribbon of flavor that runs through the loaf.
Because the filling spreads evenly, every slice of Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread delivers the same warm, spiced sweetness. No bite feels dry or plain.
Ingredients That Create Old-Fashioned Flavor
Dough ingredients explained
All-purpose flour provides structure without making the bread tough. Granulated sugar lightly sweetens the dough while also feeding the yeast. Active dry yeast creates lift and softness, while warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness.
Butter and egg enrich the dough, improving flavor and texture. Salt balances the sweetness and sharpens the overall taste, ensuring Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread never feels flat.
Cinnamon sugar and glaze essentials
Butter acts as the glue that holds the cinnamon sugar in place. Granulated sugar provides sweetness, while cinnamon brings warmth and aroma.
The optional glaze adds a smooth, sweet finish. Powdered sugar dissolves easily into milk and vanilla, creating a drizzle that hardens slightly as it sets. Although optional, the glaze enhances the bakery-style feel of Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Sweet Bread
Activating the yeast correctly
Begin by warming the milk to the proper temperature. Milk that is too hot can kill yeast, while milk that is too cool will not activate it. Adding a pinch of sugar encourages the yeast to foam.
Once foamy, the yeast signals it is alive and ready. This step ensures Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread rises properly and develops good texture.
Kneading and the first rise
Mix the dough until it comes together, then knead until smooth and elastic. Kneading builds gluten, which gives the bread strength and structure.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl and let it rise until doubled. During this time, flavor develops and the dough becomes airy. Patience during this step rewards you with a lighter loaf.

Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Loaf Pan
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 2.5 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar until foamy.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, butter, and egg to form dough.
- Knead dough until smooth and elastic, then let rise until doubled.
- Roll dough, brush with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Roll into a loaf, place in pan, and let rise again until puffy.
- Bake at 350°F until golden and cooked through.
Notes
Nutrition
Rolling, Filling, and Baking the Loaf
Shaping the bread evenly
After the first rise, roll the dough into a rectangle. This shape ensures even layers once rolled. Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly across the surface.
Roll tightly from the long side to create defined swirls. Sealing the seam and tucking the ends prevents filling from leaking during baking.
Second rise and baking to golden perfection
The second rise allows the shaped loaf to relax and expand. This step improves texture and volume.
Bake until the loaf turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. These signs indicate the bread is fully baked through without being dry. Letting the loaf cool slightly before glazing helps the glaze set beautifully.
Serving, Storing, and Variations
Best ways to serve Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread
Serve slices warm for the softest texture and strongest cinnamon aroma. This bread pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
For breakfast, toast slices lightly and add butter. For dessert, drizzle with glaze or serve alongside fresh fruit.
Storage and simple variations
Store Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread wrapped at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for longer freshness. Reheat slices briefly to restore softness.
For variation, add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling. You can also swap part of the cinnamon for nutmeg to change the spice profile while keeping the same comforting base.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate after the first rise and shape the next day.
2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. Skip blooming and mix directly with dry ingredients.
3. Why is my bread dry?
Overbaking or adding too much flour can dry out the loaf.
4. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze up to two months.
5. Is the glaze necessary?
No. The bread is delicious without it, but the glaze adds sweetness.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread captures everything comforting about home baking. With its soft crumb, warm cinnamon swirl, and simple glaze, this loaf feels timeless and dependable. Whether baked for family, friends, or quiet mornings, Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread proves that the best recipes are often the simplest ones passed down with care.





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