Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

Ever craved the comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts without the fuss of frying? Look no further! This Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread recipe brings all the delightful flavors of your favorite donut shop treat right to your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a sweet afternoon snack, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional donuts in an easy-to-make bread form. Here’s why you will adore it:

• Easy to Make: Simple steps make it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Cozy Flavors: The warm cinnamon sugar coating brings ultimate comfort.
• Impressive Presentation: Beautiful layers that look as good as they taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: Makes a generous loaf ideal for gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with children and adults alike.
• Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Less Mess: All the flavor without the frying hassle of donuts.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, common ingredients.

Ingredients Needed for Donut Bread

Here’s a list of everything you need to create this delightful treat, with a few extra tips to ensure success:

For the Bread:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk: Aim for around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the yeast thrive.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: This is one standard packet; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1 large egg: Contributes to the bread’s structure and texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting: Provides the necessary structure for the bread.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: For that classic sweet coating.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best aromatic flavor.
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted: Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the bread.

Tip: Toast your cinnamon lightly in a dry pan for a minute or two before mixing it with the sugar. This intensifies the spice’s aroma and flavor, taking your cinnamon sugar coating to the next level.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes baking this bread a breeze:

• Large bowl: For mixing the dough ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for baking success.
• 9×5 inch loaf pan: The perfect size for this recipe.
• Mixing spoons: For combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Wire rack: For cooling the bread evenly after baking.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

this …

• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Difficulty: Medium

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your own Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start again with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Ensure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might cook the egg. The mixture should be lukewarm for the best results.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it becomes manageable.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm environment helps the yeast work its magic. You can place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven or a sunny spot.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick to the pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 6: Shape the Bread

Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle. This step releases any large air bubbles and prepares the dough for shaping.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of cinnamon.

Step 8: Butter and Sprinkle

Brush the melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. This creates those irresistible layers of flavor.

Step 9: Cut and Stack

Cut the dough into 6-8 strips. Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut the stack into 6-8 equal pieces. This creates the layered effect that makes the bread so appealing.

Step 10: Arrange in Pan

Arrange the dough pieces vertically in the prepared loaf pan. Gently nestle them together, leaving a little space for rising.

Step 11: Second Rise

Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. This allows the dough to puff up again, resulting in a lighter, fluffier bread.

Step 12: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.

Step 13: Cool and Enjoy

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

CHECK OUT: Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole – For another easy and delicious cinnamon-flavored treat!

Tips for Success

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. The yeast mixture should become foamy after 5-10 minutes.
• Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the bread dry.
• Warm Place for Rising: A consistent warm temperature is crucial for the dough to rise properly. Try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven or a sunny spot.
• Even Baking: If the top of the bread browns too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread with these variations:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra warmth.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers of dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bread for added sweetness.
• Nutty: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Enhance your experience with these serving suggestions:

• Coffee or Tea: Pair a slice with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy morning treat.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad complements the richness of the bread.
• Brunch Spread: Include it as part of a larger brunch spread with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.

Health Benefits

While this is a treat, it still offers some nutritional benefits:

• Energy Boost: Provides carbohydrates for a quick energy source.
• Calcium: From the milk, contributing to bone health.
• Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Storage & Reheating

Keep your Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread fresh with these tips:

• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven for a crispier texture.
• Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Prevent the Bread from Being Too Dry?

Ensure you don’t add too much flour during the kneading process. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Also, avoid overbaking the bread by checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can substitute with bread flour for a chewier bread or a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option. Keep in mind that the texture may vary.

What If My Yeast Doesn’t Foam?

If the yeast doesn’t foam after 5-10 minutes, it may be old or expired. Purchase fresh yeast and try again to ensure proper leavening.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

How Do I Get the Cinnamon Sugar to Stick Better?

Make sure to brush the dough generously with melted butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar mixture. This helps the sugar adhere to the dough and creates those delicious, gooey layers.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 25g

• Protein: 5g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more delightful baked goods? Check out these other fantastic recipes:

• Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl – A perfect fall treat with warm spices and a beautiful swirl of cinnamon.
• Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping – A delightful coffee cake with a crumbly streusel and a hint of apple and cinnamon.
• Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole – For another easy and delicious cinnamon-flavored treat, try this casserole.

Conclusion

This Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. With its warm, comforting flavors and impressive presentation, it’s sure to become a new favorite.

Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Print