Warm Spiced Baked Cinnamon Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, delightful treat, look no further than this Warm Spiced Baked Cinnamon Bread Recipe. It’s a heavenly combination of fluffy bread enriched with aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, baked to perfection with swirls of brown sugar and crunchy nuts. Each bite fills your kitchen with inviting scents and wraps your taste buds in warm, spicy comfort — perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or just whenever you crave something sweet and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, everyday ingredients come together to create this scrumptious Warm Spiced Baked Cinnamon Bread Recipe — each one playing a vital role to build the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make this bread unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: 3 1/2 cups provide the structure and tender crumb essential for the bread.
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup to balance spice with just enough sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: 1 tablespoon plus extra for filling, gives warm, comforting spice throughout.
• Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon adds a subtle nutty warmth.
• Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon offers depth and complexity.
• Active dry yeast: 1 tablespoon wakes up the dough, helping it rise beautifully.
• Warm milk (110°F): 1 cup softens the dough and activates yeast.
• Unsalted butter, melted: 1/2 cup enriches the bread with a tender bite and luscious flavor.
• Large eggs: 2 eggs lend structure and richness.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon enhances all the flavors perfectly.
• Brown sugar: 1/2 cup for the sweet, gooey filling with a touch of molasses depth.
• Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons boosts sweetness and aroma.
• Raisins (optional): 1/2 cup adds bursts of chewy sweetness.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): 1/2 cup brings crunch and earthy notes.
• Extra flour for dusting: keeps dough manageable during kneading and rolling.

How to Make Warm Spiced Baked Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by mixing the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until it becomes foamy and bubbly — this means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic for your bread’s rise.

Step 2: Combine wet ingredients

Next, whisk in the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar to the yeast mixture. This blend forms the flavorful, rich base that will give the bread its tender crumb and inviting aroma.

Step 3: Mix dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These dry spices infuse the dough itself with warm holiday flavors, making the whole bread a cozy delight.

Step 4: Form the dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough just starts to come together. This step brings all the elements together, preparing for kneading.

Step 5: Knead to perfection

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, a medium-speed kneading with a dough hook works like a charm. This process develops gluten, which gives the bread structure and softness.

Step 6: First rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and set it somewhere warm. Let it rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size — patience here rewards you with airy, tender bread.

Step 7: Preheat the oven

Prepare your oven by heating it up to 350°F (175°C). Having your oven ready ensures you bake your bread at the perfect temperature the moment it’s shaped.

Step 8: Shape and roll

After your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about half an inch thick — this blank canvas is about to get transformed.

Step 9: Add the filling

Mix together the brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and your choice of chopped nuts in a small bowl. Sprinkle this sweet and spiced mixture evenly over the dough, followed by optional raisins. This filling creates beautiful layers and irresistible flavor.

Step 10: Roll tightly

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam closed. This step traps those magical swirls of cinnamon and sugar inside, ready to give every slice that signature look and taste.

Step 11: Place in loaf pan

Lay the rolled dough seam side down in a greased loaf pan, gently tucking it in. This shapes your bread into a classic loaf that’s easy to slice and share.

Step 12: Second rise

Cover the dough and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until it’s nearly doubled in size. This final rise contributes to a light, airy texture and that gorgeously golden crust.

Step 13: Bake

Bake the bread in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped — an old baker’s trick for perfectly cooked bread.

Step 14: Cool before slicing

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents sogginess and lets the flavors settle so every slice tastes fantastic.

How to Serve Warm Spiced Baked Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This Warm Spiced Baked Cinnamon Bread Recipe is delightful on its own, but a light brush of melted butter or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate it to new heights. For a creamy touch, try spreading softened cream cheese or honey butter on each warm slice—pure bliss!

Side Dishes

Pair this spiced bread with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider to heighten the cozy experience. It also complements fresh fruit salads or a bowl of creamy yogurt for a balanced and delicious breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it the star of your brunch table by slicing the bread into thick slabs and arranging it on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of nut butters, jams, and fresh berries. Another fun twist: transform the slices into decadent French toast, soaking up the cinnamon-spiced goodness and crisping to golden perfection.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Warm Spiced Baked Cinnamon Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and flavorful, ready to enjoy at any time.

Freezing

If you want to save the bread longer, freezing is your friend. Wrap the loaf or individual slices well in airtight plastic and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, this bread stays fresh for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy those spicy bites months after baking.

Reheating

To bring the bread back to life, simply toast slices or warm the whole loaf in a 325°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This revives the soft texture and enhances the warm spices, making it taste just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind the bread might be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a balanced texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, the two rises are key for that soft, airy bread texture. The first rise lets the dough develop gluten and double in size, while the second rise helps build volume and create those lovely swirls after rolling.

What if I don’t have raisins or nuts?

No worries at all! The bread will still be delicious without them. You can also get creative by swapping in dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Making a gluten-free version requires using a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads and some adjustments in rising time and liquid amounts. It’s doable but may take experimentation to perfect the texture.

How long does it take to prepare and bake?

Overall, this Warm Spiced Baked Cinnamon Bread Recipe takes about 35 minutes of hands-on prep and another 35 minutes baking, plus 1 to 2 hours for the rising steps. It’s worth every minute for that delicious reward!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Warm Spiced Baked Cinnamon Bread Recipe enough if you love baked goods that fill your home with warmth and that perfect balance of spice and sweetness. It’s approachable to make, wonderfully fragrant, and simply irresistible. So grab your mixing bowl, get cozy, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting classic. Happy baking!

Print