Name: Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups warm whole milk; 1 tbsp instant yeast; 2 tbsp honey; 4 ½-5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling; 2 tsp kosher salt; 6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature; 2 sticks cold salted butter, sliced into thin pieces; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp softened butter (for spreading); 1 egg, beaten, for brushing

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to indulge in something irresistibly buttery, sweet, and utterly comforting, this Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the flakiness of croissants combined with the gooey, cinnamon-sugar swirls nestled inside a soft, pull-apart loaf that fills your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma. Whether for a festive brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, this treat brings an impressive look and a complex flavor with surprisingly simple steps. Let me walk you through how to make this show-stopping favorite that effortlessly balances flaky layers and sweet spice in every bite.

A golden brown cinnamon swirl bread loaf sits on a black baking rack over a rustic wooden surface. The bread shows four main swirled sections with multiple thin layers of dough visible, each layer turning slightly darker in the middle with cinnamon filling. The crust is crisp-looking with a light dusting of sugar on the tops of the swirls. To the right, a small white bowl contains cinnamon powder and two cinnamon sticks resting on the bowl’s rim. In the upper left corner, a soft beige cloth with dark stripes adds texture to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the tender dough and rich cinnamon sugar layers that define this Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf Recipe. From the warmth of the milk to the cold butter slices, these components work in harmony to build texture, flavor, and that perfect, golden crust.

1 ¾ cup warm whole milk: Provides moisture and tender crumb, and activates the yeast for rise.
1 tbsp instant yeast: The rising agent that creates those light, airy layers.
2 tbsp honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps with browning the crust beautifully.
4 ½–5 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the loaf, adjust slightly to get the perfect dough consistency.
2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature: Incorporated into dough for richness and tenderness.
2 sticks cold salted butter, thinly sliced: Essential for creating flaky, buttery layers through folding.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the swirl filling and caramelizes during baking.
1 tbsp ground cinnamon: The aromatic spice star that brings warmth to the filling.
1 egg, beaten: For brushing the top to achieve a gorgeous golden crust.

How to Make Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough

Start by combining warm whole milk, honey, flour, yeast, and salt in your stand mixer’s bowl. Using the dough hook, mix everything until the flour is fully incorporated, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes—this helps develop gluten and ensures a smooth dough. Then, add softened butter and continue mixing until blended. You might need to add a touch more flour if the dough is too sticky. The goal is to have a soft dough that pulls away from the bowl.

Step 2: First Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave the dough to rise at room temperature until it doubles in volume, roughly 45 minutes to an hour. This rest period activates the yeast and begins building flavor and airiness essential for the croissant-style crumb.

Step 3: Roll and Butter Layer

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Now comes the key to those flaky layers: arrange thin, cold slices of butter down the middle third of the dough. This butter block will get enveloped by the dough to create texture and richness as you fold.

Step 4: First Fold and Chill

Fold one third of the dough over the butter, then fold the remaining third on top, creating a dough envelope with butter in the center. Roll the dough out again into the same rectangle size, fold into thirds once more, then wrap it tightly and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes. Chilling firms up the butter to keep the layers distinct.

Step 5: Second Fold and Chill

Remove from the freezer, roll out into a rectangle again, fold into thirds, wrap, and place back in the freezer for another 20 minutes. These folds give you the signature swirled layers that separate and flake beautifully when baked.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Pans and Cinnamon Sugar

While the dough chills, butter two 9×5-inch loaf pans to prevent sticking. Mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the luscious filling that will flavor every bite.

Step 7: Roll, Butter, and Sugar the Dough

Take the dough from the freezer one last time and roll it out. Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Roll the dough tightly starting from the edge closest to you, creating a log that traps the sugary swirls inside. Pinch the edges to seal all that delicious filling.

Step 8: Slice and Arrange in Pans

Cut the dough log in half, then slice each half into 10 or 11 rolls. Arrange these rolls in the prepared loaf pans either seam side down or alternating to show off the swirl layers, depending on your aesthetic preference. Cover and let rise briefly for 15 minutes—this final puff ensures a light crumb and buttery bakery-quality result.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny, deep golden crust. Bake the loaves in a preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tops turn a deep brown. Let the loaves cool slightly in their pans before turning out onto a rack to cool fully. Slice warm or at room temperature for the ultimate comfort treat.

How to Serve Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf Recipe

A stack of cinnamon swirl bread slices on a black wire rack lies on a rustic wooden table. The bread has a golden-brown crust with visible cinnamon sugar layers spiraled inside each soft slice. Several cinnamon sticks are placed on the rack near the bread. To the right, a small white bowl filled with cinnamon sugar and a golden spoon rests on the surface, with two cinnamon sticks leaning on the bowl. A folded beige and black cloth sits in the top left corner. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly baked, this loaf is beautiful on its own, but you can elevate it with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate winter wonderland effect or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness and shine. Adding a few toasted pecans or slivered almonds on top before baking gives a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples, which add a juicy brightness that balances the rich cinnamon sugar. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt or a smear of cream cheese to lend a cool tang that complements the buttery layers perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve slices on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of spiced jam or honey for dipping. Alternatively, transform leftovers into decadent French toast by dipping slices in an egg-milk batter and frying until crisp. This recipe’s flexibility and flavor make it an unforgettable centerpiece of any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap leftover croissant loaf tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and soft for up to two days. If it begins to dry out slightly, a quick reheat in the oven or toaster can revive that fresh-baked charm.

Freezing

This Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently to bring back those flaky layers.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 325 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes, or toast individual slices lightly. This restores the buttery flakiness and brings back that just-baked aroma and mouthfeel. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this croissant loaf without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 to 12 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Using a stand mixer is just a convenient way to speed things up, but the results are equally delicious either way.

What type of butter should I use?

Use salted butter as specified because it enhances the flavor depth of both the dough and the filling. Make sure the butter for layering is cold and sliced thinly to create the perfect flaky layers during folding.

Can I substitute the cinnamon sugar filling with other flavors?

Definitely! While the cinnamon sugar is classic and irresistible, try other fillings like chocolate chips, nuts with brown sugar, or even fruit preserves rolled inside for a fun twist on the Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf Recipe.

How important are the chilling steps in the recipe?

The chilling steps help the butter firm up between folds, which is essential for creating the distinct layers that give this loaf its flaky, croissant-like texture. Skipping chilling may result in a denser crumb and less defined layers.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes! Even though the folding resembles croissant techniques, this recipe is streamlined and forgiving. As long as you follow the steps carefully, you’ll get delicious, bakery-quality results without the stress.

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible not to fall in love with this Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf Recipe. The tender dough layered with buttery folds and cinnamon-sugar swirls bakes into a golden loaf that fills your home with warmth and invites everyone to gather ’round. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet morning or sharing with friends and family, this recipe promises joy and comfort in every bite. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start making memories with this unforgettable baked treasure!