Cinnamon Bread Recipe with Sweet Icing Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with warm, sweet aromas, you’re in the right place. This Cinnamon Bread Recipe with Sweet Icing Recipe is fan-freaking-tastic, and I just love how it turns out—soft, buttery bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet, creamy icing that melts perfectly over the warm loaf. Whether you’re baking for a relaxed weekend brunch or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully—the richness of butter blends perfectly with the sugary cinnamon coating, complemented by a light, sweet icing. When you shop, try to grab good-quality cinnamon and fresh powdered sugar for the best results.

• Frozen bread dough: Using frozen bread dough is a lifesaver—it saves you the long wait for yeast and gives consistent results every time.
• Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and richness; make sure it’s unsalted so you can control the saltiness.
• Granulated sugar: This creates that classic crunchy cinnamon sugar coating inside and outside the bread.
• Ground cinnamon: Fresh, fragrant cinnamon makes all the difference—don’t skimp on this!
• Powdered sugar: The base for the sweet icing, it gives that lovely smooth texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the icing.
• Milk: Just enough to thin the icing to the perfect drizzle consistency.

Variations

I love how this Cinnamon Bread Recipe with Sweet Icing Recipe is super adaptable. I often tweak it depending on the mood or occasion, and you’ll find it’s easy to personalize to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Add nuts or raisins: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or raisins inside the cuts for a bit of extra texture and surprise bites of sweetness.
• Use dairy-free alternatives: If you’re dairy-free, swap the butter for coconut oil and use almond or oat milk for the icing—still tastes amazing!
• Experiment with spices: Mix a little nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon sugar to change things up and add warmth.
• Make mini loaves or rolls: For smaller servings, slice dough into pieces and shape into rolls coated the same way—kids love these!

How to Make Cinnamon Bread Recipe with Sweet Icing Recipe

Step 1: Thaw and Prep Your Bread Dough

Start by placing your frozen bread dough loaves on a tray at room temperature for about 3 to 4 hours, or thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. When I first tried this, I found slow thawing in the fridge gave the best texture, but room temp works great in a pinch. Once thawed, generously spray your 9-inch bread pans with non-stick spray and set them aside. This prep lays the groundwork for easy bread removal once baked.

Step 2: Score and Butter Each Loaf

Use a sharp knife to make four deep cuts almost all the way through each loaf. This is the magic that creates those beautiful cinnamon sugar pockets. Leave just a little dough still connected at the bottom to keep the loaf intact. Then, coat every inch of the bread—including inside each cut—with melted butter. I like to really get my hands in there (clean hands, of course!) to make sure the butter saturates the cuts. It helps lock in buttery goodness and keeps the bread moist.

Step 3: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar and Stuff

Mix your granulated sugar and cinnamon in a wide dish, then roll each butter-coated loaf gently in this delicious mixture, making sure it’s nice and thick. I discovered this trick when my first try had too little coating—it makes such a difference when every crevice is packed with cinnamon sugar! Use your fingers to stuff the mixture deep into each cut, layering that spicy, sweet goodness inside the bread.

Step 4: Rise and Bake

Place each loaf in your prepared pans, cover loosely with a clean tea towel, and let them rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, usually about an hour. When I first tried this recipe, I stressed over rising times, but your eye is the best judge: the bread should look puffed up and soft. When ready, bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. The smell alone is guaranteed to make your mouth water.

Step 5: Mix and Drizzle the Sweet Icing

While your bread cools for about 10 minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth icing. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you get a perfect drizzle consistency. I love drizzling the icing over warm bread as it slightly melts into the nooks and crannies, making each bite a sweet, creamy delight.

How to Serve Cinnamon Bread Recipe with Sweet Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I love keeping things simple with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top of the icing or a few crushed toasted pecans for crunch. Sometimes I’ll add a little fresh orange zest on the icing for a surprisingly fresh twist. These garnishes aren’t necessary, but they do make the bread feel extra special, especially if serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair this cinnamon bread with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate cozy combo. For brunch, it’s fantastic alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweet richness. My family especially loves it with a side of Greek yogurt topped with honey.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I baked mini cinnamon bread loaves wrapped in parchment and tied with twine to hand out as festive gifts—everyone loved it! You can also slice and fan the bread slices on a pretty platter, drizzling a little extra icing and adding fresh berries around for a brunch spread that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My go-to is storing leftover cinnamon bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps it soft and fresh, though I recommend warming slices briefly before eating to revive that buttery goodness.

Freezing

This Cinnamon Bread Recipe with Sweet Icing Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Wrap cooled loaves tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp, then warm gently in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

I like reheating slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes—this keeps the crust crisp and the inside soft and warm. If you reheat too long or at too high heat, the bread can dry out, so keep an eye on it. Sometimes I add a pat of butter before warming for extra indulgence.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Bread Recipe with Sweet Icing Recipe is one of those homemade delights that feels like a warm hug. I remember making it for a weekend brunch and watching my family savor bites with happy smiles—it just feels so comforting and special. If you want to impress friends or treat yourself, you really can’t go wrong with this one. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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