Irresistible Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s Golden Sunrise Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon bread transforms ordinary mornings into extraordinary culinary adventures with its soul-warming essence.

Swirling ribbons of sweet cinnamon promise an irresistible journey through homestyle comfort.

Fragrant steam rises from golden loaves, whispering tales of nostalgic kitchen memories.

Every slice tells a story of tender crumb and delicate spice dancing together in perfect harmony.

Simple ingredients become extraordinary when mixed with passion and a dash of love.

Bakers of all skill levels can create this magical bread that speaks directly to the heart.

Grab your mixing bowl and let the aroma of comfort guide you to baking magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 4 hours

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Calories: 325 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s Inside Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread

For Yeast Activation:
  • Active Dry Yeast: Select fresh, unexpired yeast for maximum rising power.
  • Milk: Choose whole milk for richer, creamier texture.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for precise flavor control.
For Dough Foundation:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Opt for unbleached flour with consistent protein content.
  • Sugar: Select fine granulated sugar for smooth mixing.
  • Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
  • Salt: Pick fine sea salt for balanced flavor enhancement.
For Filling and Finishing:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Choose fragrant, high-quality Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon for intense aroma.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Blend sugars for complex sweetness layers.
  • Softened Butter: Ensure butter is at perfect room temperature for easy spreading.
  • Egg: Use for golden, glossy bread finish.

Bakeware to Use for Cinnamon Bread

  • Saucepan: Small pot for gently melting butter and warming milk.
  • Stand Mixer: Essential for mixing and kneading dough with paddle and dough hook attachments.
  • Paddle Attachment: Flat mixing tool for initial ingredient blending.
  • Dough Hook Attachment: Curved mixing tool for kneading dough smoothly.
  • Plastic Wrap: Covers dough during rising to prevent drying.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Used for dough rising and coating with oil.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps roll dough into thin, even rectangle.
  • Loaf Pan: Rectangular baking dish for shaping and baking bread.
  • Pastry Brush: Useful for spreading egg wash on bread surface.
  • Aluminum Foil: Optional covering to prevent over-browning.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise ingredient measurement tools.

Making Cinnamon Bread from Scratch

Making Cinnamon Bread from Scratch
  • Awaken the Yeast Elixir

Gently warm milk and butter in a saucepan until just melted. Cool mixture to lukewarm. Sprinkle yeast over the liquid and let it dance and bubble for 10 minutes until gloriously frothy.

  • Craft the Dough Symphony

Combine yeast mixture with sugar and eggs in a mixer. Gradually fold in flour and salt, blending until a smooth, silky dough emerges. Knead with passion for 10 minutes, adding tiny amounts of flour if the dough feels clingy.

  • Nurture the Dough's Growth

Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, twirling to coat. Drape with a soft cloth and let it rest in a cozy corner for 2 hours, watching it bloom and expand like a rising sun.

  • Create the Swirling Sensation

Roll out dough into a generous rectangle. Lavish with soft butter, then shower with a blizzard of cinnamon and sugar. Roll tightly, tucking the edges like a warm embrace. Nestle into a buttered pan and let it rise for another hour.

  • Bake to Golden Magnificence

Heat the oven to a warm 350°F. Brush the loaf with a golden egg wash, then slide into the oven. Bake for 40 minutes, listening for the hollow tap that signals perfection. Shield with foil if the top starts to tan too quickly.

Sweet Spice Tips for Cinnamon Bread

Sweet Spice Tips for Cinnamon Bread
  • Boost Yeast Performance: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date. Warm liquids help activate yeast faster, but never use hot liquid that can kill the delicate microorganisms.
  • Dough Consistency Hack: Add flour gradually to control dough texture. A perfectly kneaded dough should feel smooth and slightly tacky, not sticky or dry. Rest your dough in a consistently warm spot away from drafts for optimal rising.
  • Flavor Explosion Techniques: Experiment with spice variations by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or orange zest to the cinnamon filling. Swap white sugar for brown sugar to create deeper caramel undertones in your swirl.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough the night before and let it slowly rise in the refrigerator. This cold fermentation develops richer flavors and makes morning baking incredibly convenient. Remove the dough 30 minutes before shaping to bring it to room temperature.

Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Loaf

  • Savor Sweet Breakfast Bliss: Pair this cinnamon swirl bread with creamy butter or homemade jam for a delightful morning treat.
  • Elevate Afternoon Tea Time: Slice the bread and serve alongside hot tea or coffee, creating a cozy and indulgent snack moment.
  • Transform into Decadent French Toast: Cut thick slices, dip in egg mixture, and fry for a luxurious weekend breakfast experience that will make everyone smile.
  • Create Delightful Dessert Bread Pudding: Cube leftover bread, mix with custard, and bake for a rich, comforting dessert that repurposes your delicious cinnamon swirl loaf.

How to Store Cinnamon Bread for Freshness

  • Preserve Your Cinnamon Swirl Delight: Smart Storage Strategies
  • Store freshly baked bread at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain optimal texture.
  • Freeze for Future Comfort: Preservation Technique
  • Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before enjoying, ensuring soft and delicious results.
  • Refrigeration Revival: Moisture Management
  • Refrigerate sliced bread in a sealed container for extended freshness. Before serving, warm slightly in the oven or toaster to restore its original soft, tender texture and enhance flavor.
  • Slice and Serve Smart: Portion Control
  • Cut the loaf into individual slices before freezing. This allows you to defrost only the amount needed, preventing waste and maintaining the bread's quality with each serving.
Print
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Irresistible Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Irresistible Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Hearty pioneer woman cinnamon bread delivers sweet, warm comfort with minimal effort. Home bakers can master this simple recipe and enjoy delightful slices alongside coffee or tea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (437.5 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsps (28 g) softened butter
  • ⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar (for dough)
  • ⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 ½ tsps active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsps cinnamon
  • 1 large egg + 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Gently warm butter and milk to lukewarm. Sprinkle yeast over the liquid and let bloom until foamy and fragrant.
  2. Dough Preparation: Blend sugar and eggs in a stand mixer. Incorporate activated yeast mixture, then gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
  3. Kneading Process: Use dough hook to knead for 10-12 minutes, creating an elastic texture that pulls away from the bowl’s sides. Adjust flour if needed.
  4. First Rise: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until volume doubles, about 2 hours.
  5. Filling and Shaping: Roll dough into a thin rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly, then dust with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll tightly from the longer edge to create a compact log.
  6. Second Rise: Place rolled dough seam-side down in a greased loaf pan. Cover and allow to rise for an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  7. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush loaf with egg wash, creating a glossy finish.
  8. Final Baking: Bake for 40-45 minutes, rotating midway for even browning. Bread is done when golden-brown and produces a hollow sound when tapped. Shield with foil if top browns too quickly.

Notes

  • Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure milk and butter are exactly lukewarm (115°F) for perfect yeast bloom, which guarantees soft, fluffy bread texture.
  • Dough Consistency Check: Watch for elastic dough that smoothly pulls away from mixer bowl; add flour sparingly if too sticky to prevent dense bread.
  • Rising Environment Matters: Choose a draft-free, warm spot like near a pilot light or inside a turned-off oven to help dough rise properly and develop rich flavor.
  • Golden Crust Protection: Monitor bread during baking and use aluminum foil tent if top browns too quickly, ensuring even cooking without burning.
  • Prep Time: 4 hours
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 325
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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