There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon sugar pull-apart bread wafting through the kitchen. It’s the kind of scent that instantly reminds you of cozy mornings, lazy weekends, and warm gatherings with loved ones. Each fluffy, buttery layer is coated with sweet cinnamon, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a little extra butter, this bread is a true indulgence.
The beauty of cinnamon sugar pull-apart bread isn’t just in its taste but in the experience of making it. Watching the dough rise, layering on the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and pulling apart each delicate piece fresh from the oven—it’s pure baking joy. With this guide, you’ll learn how to master this delightful bread from scratch, plus some essential tips and tricks to get it just right.
Growing up, weekend mornings were always filled with the scent of cinnamon and butter. My grandmother had a tradition—every Saturday, she would make a fresh batch of pull-apart bread, filling the house with warmth and anticipation. I would watch her knead the dough, sprinkle generous amounts of cinnamon sugar, and carefully stack each layer into the loaf pan.
When it came out of the oven, golden brown and glistening, we would gather around the table, eager to pull apart the soft, sweet layers. No knives, no plates—just hands reaching in and smiles all around. Now, whenever I bake this bread, I’m transported back to those mornings, and I hope it brings the same joy to your home as it does to mine.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Bread
This sweet and tender bread is loved by many for several reasons:
- Easy to Make – Although it’s homemade, the steps are simple and beginner-friendly.
- Fluffy and Soft – Every bite is light, airy, and buttery.
- Packed with Cinnamon Flavor – The perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack.
- Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of icing for extra indulgence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Follow this foolproof guide to make the best homemade cinnamon sugar bread from scratch.
First: Preparation
Before starting, gather all your ingredients and tools.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 ounces butter (melted)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
Second: Making the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Melt the butter with milk over low heat, then remove from heat and add water and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add eggs and stir until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the remaining 1 cup of flour until the dough becomes sticky.
- Knead for about 5-7 minutes, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
Third: Rolling and Layering
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×20 inches).
- Brush with melted butter and generously sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Cut the dough into six long strips, then stack them on top of each other.
- Cut the stacked strips into six equal sections.
- Arrange these stacks in a greased loaf pan like a flipbook.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Fourth: Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Sugar BreadÂ
To ensure perfect results every time, follow these expert tips:
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise and texture.
- Keep the dough sticky – don’t add too much flour, or it may become dry.
- Generously add cinnamon sugar – the more, the better!
- Ensure proper rising time to get that soft, fluffy texture.
- Let it cool slightly before serving – this prevents it from collapsing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Cinnamon Sugar Bread
Avoid these mistakes for the best results:
- Not proofing the yeast properly – if your dough doesn’t rise, the yeast might be inactive.
- Adding too much flour – a stiff dough will lead to dry bread.
- Skipping the second rise – this is essential for a fluffy loaf.
- Overbaking – check at the 30-minute mark to avoid a dry texture.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you love baking, you might also enjoy these mouthwatering recipes:
- Try this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza for a cheesy, meaty delight.
- Looking for a hearty dinner? Check out this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe.
- For a comforting and classic dish, make this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf.
Conclusion
Baking cinnamon sugar pull-apart bread is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Whether for a holiday, brunch, or casual indulgence, this bread is always a crowd-pleaser. Follow these steps, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy a homemade loaf of pure bliss.
Ready to bake? Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
PrintCinnamon Sugar Bread Recipe
A warm, fluffy, and buttery delight, this cinnamon sugar pull-apart bread is coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, making it the perfect treat for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack. Every bite is soft, rich, and irresistibly delicious!
- Prep Time: 2hrs
- Cook Time: 35mins
- Total Time: 2hrs 35mins
- Yield: 1 9x5-inch loaf
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 ounces butter (melted)
Instructions
First: Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second: Making the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Melt the butter with milk over low heat, then remove from heat and add water and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add eggs and stir until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the remaining 1 cup of flour until the dough becomes sticky.
- Knead for about 5-7 minutes, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
Third: Rolling and Layering
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×20 inches).
- Brush with melted butter and generously sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Cut the dough into six long strips, then stack them on top of each other.
- Cut the stacked strips into six equal sections.
- Arrange these stacks in a greased loaf pan like a flipbook.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Fourth: Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra indulgence, drizzle with vanilla glaze or add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture. This bread is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 9x5-inch loaf
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: ~15g
- Sodium: ~180mg
- Fat: ~10g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~5g
- Cholesterol: ~40mg
Keywords: Cinnamon sugar bread, pull-apart bread, homemade cinnamon bread, brunch recipes, sweet bread, cinnamon rolls alternative