Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Success

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: just the name alone conjures up images of warm, comforting mornings, doesn’t it? Imagine biting into a slice of soft, pillowy bread, its surface glistening with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced coating that perfectly mimics the irresistible flavor of a freshly baked donut. This isn’t just bread; it’s a nostalgic trip back to childhood, a hug in every bite, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

While the exact origins of this delightful treat are somewhat hazy, the concept of combining bread and cinnamon sugar has been around for centuries. Cinnamon, a spice prized for its aromatic warmth, has been used in baking since ancient times, adding a touch of exotic sweetness to simple loaves. The addition of sugar, transforming it into the irresistible topping we know and love, likely evolved alongside the rise of modern baking techniques.

People adore cinnamon sugar donut bread for its incredible taste and texture. The soft, slightly chewy interior contrasts beautifully with the crisp, sugary crust, creating a symphony of sensations in your mouth. But beyond the deliciousness, it’s also incredibly convenient. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat, a satisfying dessert, or a delightful addition to your next brunch spread, this cinnamon sugar donut bread is sure to become a new family favorite. So, let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups warm milk (105-115°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Optional Glaze (highly recommended!):
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast is fresh; otherwise, your bread won’t rise properly. I always check the expiration date!
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. The milk temperature is crucial – too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. Aim for that sweet spot between 105 and 115°F.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky, and that’s perfectly fine.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much, or the bread will be tough. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where patience comes in! The warmer the environment, the faster it will rise. I often put mine in a slightly warmed oven (turned off, of course!).

Assembling the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread:

1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This is my preferred method for easy cleanup.
2. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air.
3. Divide and Shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12-15 equal pieces. I like to use a kitchen scale to ensure they’re all roughly the same size, but you can eyeball it too. Roll each piece into a ball.
4. Dip in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, melt the ½ cup of butter. In another shallow bowl, combine the 1 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of cinnamon. Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
5. Arrange in the Pan: Arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared loaf pan. You can layer them randomly or create a more organized pattern. I usually just pile them in there!
6. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until the dough balls have puffed up and filled the pan.

Baking the Bread:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
3. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Optional Glaze:

1. Combine Ingredients: While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency. I like mine on the thicker side!
2. Drizzle and Serve: Once the bread has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success:

• Yeast is Key: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If you’re unsure, you can proof it by dissolving it in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. If it foams up within 5-10 minutes, it’s good to go.
• Don’t Overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough bread. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, but not longer.
• Warm Environment for Rising: A warm environment is essential for the dough to rise properly. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or near a warm appliance.
• Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar.
• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
• Variations: Get creative with your fillings! You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of cream cheese filling.

Troubleshooting:

• Dough Not Rising: If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to several factors: old yeast, milk that’s too hot or too cold, or a cold environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh, the milk is at the correct temperature, and the dough is in a warm place.
• Bread Too Dense: A dense bread can be caused by overkneading, not enough rising time, or too much flour. Be careful not to overknead the dough, allow it to rise fully, and avoid adding too much flour.
• Bread Too Brown: If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil during baking.
• Glaze Too Thick/Thin: Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar (if it’s too thin) or more milk (if it’s too thick).

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread as much as I do! It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out! Happy baking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is truly a must-try recipe, and I’m not just saying that. It’s the perfect blend of comforting flavors, easy preparation, and impressive results. Imagine biting into a slice of warm, soft bread, coated in that irresistible cinnamon-sugar goodness that instantly transports you back to childhood memories of enjoying a fresh donut. But without all the deep-frying fuss!

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master baker to achieve bakery-worthy results. The ingredients are readily available, the steps are straightforward, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply divine. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even just a sweet afternoon snack.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. For a truly decadent experience, try serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could add a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Another fantastic variation is to incorporate a cream cheese swirl into the bread before baking – it adds a tangy richness that complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. And if you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), they make a delicious French toast the next day. Just dip the slices in an egg mixture and pan-fry until golden brown – you won’t regret it!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, one that you’ll make again and again for years to come. It’s also a great recipe to share with friends and neighbors – a homemade loaf of this bread is always a welcome gift.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of this incredible Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how it turned out, what variations you tried, and how much everyone enjoyed it. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even just send me a message. I’m always thrilled to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see your delicious donut bread creations!