If you’ve been looking for a cozy, fragrant treat that brings comfort in every bite, this sourdough cinnamon bread is it. With a soft, tender crumb and a gooey cinnamon sugar swirl, it’s the kind of loaf that makes mornings brighter. Whether you’re working with a bubbly active sourdough starter or making the most of your discard, this bread delivers amazing flavor and aroma every single time. In this guide, you’ll learn the best method, tips, and variations to bake your very own sourdough cinnamon swirl bread—perfect for breakfast, toast, or an irresistible snack.
Table of Contents
Sourdough Cinnamon Bread: The Homemade Swirl Everyone’s Craving
A soft and sweet sourdough cinnamon bread with a beautiful swirl, made using either starter or discard. Perfect for breakfast or snacking.
- Prep Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hrs 40 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup active sourdough starter
3 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup warm milk
2 tbsp butter (melted)
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
—
2 tbsp butter (softened)
⅓ cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Mix starter, milk, butter, sugar, and flour. Rest for 30 mins.
2. Add salt and knead until smooth. Let rise for 4–6 hrs.
3. Mix cinnamon and sugar filling.
4. Roll dough, spread butter, and sprinkle filling.
5. Roll into a log and place in a loaf pan.
6. Let rise 1–2 hrs. Brush with egg wash.
7. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 mins. Cool and slice.
Notes
Use sourdough discard with ½ tsp yeast.
Add raisins for variation.
Toast leftovers for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
The Story & Magic of Sourdough Cinnamon Bread
A Warm Memory in Every Slice
I still remember the first time I bit into a slice of cinnamon swirl bread as a child—it was warm from the oven, buttery, sweet, and had just the right amount of spice. Years later, I’ve taken that nostalgic recipe and given it a sourdough twist, creating something that’s not only delicious but easier to digest and packed with flavor.
This sourdough cinnamon bread combines the slow fermentation of natural yeast with that irresistible ribbon of brown sugar and cinnamon running through the middle. It’s become a weekend favorite at home—perfect for brunch or afternoon coffee. What I love most is how forgiving and flexible the recipe is. Whether you’re using a bubbly starter or even sourdough discard, it always turns out beautifully.
Sourdough baking can feel intimidating, but cinnamon swirl bread is a great place to start. Unlike crusty artisan loaves, this one is soft and enriched—more like a brioche or sandwich bread—ideal for people who want to dip their toes into sourdough baking.
You can even use leftover discard for a slightly tangier, richer loaf, just like I do when I’m also making these sourdough discard pancakes on Sundays. The combo of cinnamon and sourdough? It’s simply magic.
In fact, this loaf pairs wonderfully with spreads like cream cheese, nut butter, or even a touch of butter and sea salt. And if you’ve ever wondered what to do with sourdough discard, this is your answer.
Building the Perfect Loaf
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses pantry staples with sourdough starter or discard as the base. Here’s your clear, actionable ingredient list:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240 g) active sourdough starter (or ½ cup discard + ½ tsp instant yeast)
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose or bread flour
- ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk (warm)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Optional:
- ½ cup raisins (for a cinnamon raisin sourdough variation)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp milk) for a glossy crust
This makes one 9×5-inch loaf.
Tools to Make It Easy
You don’t need any fancy gear—just a few basics:
- Mixing bowl and spatula or stand mixer
- Rolling pin (optional)
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap or proofing cover
Pro-Tip: If you love rich, soft loaves like this, also check out our cottage cheese banana bread—it uses dairy to create unbelievable moisture.
The Method
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix & Autolyse
In a bowl, combine starter (or discard + yeast), warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and flour. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and let rest (autolyse) for 30 minutes.
2. Knead & Bulk Ferment
Add salt and knead the dough until smooth (about 6–8 minutes by hand or 4 minutes in a mixer). Cover and let rise for 4–6 hours at room temp, folding once after 2 hours. It should double in size.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Shape the Loaf
Roll dough into an 8×12” rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly, and roll tightly from the short end. Pinch seam closed.
5. Final Proof
Place in a parchment-lined loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until puffy and nearly doubled.
6. Bake
Brush with egg wash if using. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden brown. Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then on a wire rack.
7. Slice & Enjoy
Slice once fully cooled. Serve warm, toasted, or turn into French toast!
Want more cozy bakes? Our easy biscuit recipe is another reader favorite.
Tips, Variations & Hacks
Pro-Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the autolyse: it improves dough strength and hydration.
- Soft butter = easy spreading: If your butter is too firm, it will tear the dough.
- Roll tightly: a loose roll will create gaps in the swirl.
- Use discard wisely: Discard adds tang, but if it’s too old (sour or gray), skip it.
Community Hack: For a faster rise, pop the covered loaf pan into a slightly warm (but off) oven with the light on. Perfect winter-proofing trick.
If you love retro bakes with serious flavor, pair a slice of this bread with lunch lady brownies—the ultimate nostalgic dessert combo.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
- Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough: Add ½ cup raisins to the dough during kneading.
- Brown Sugar Glaze: Drizzle with a mix of brown sugar, butter, and vanilla.
- Apple Cinnamon Swirl: Add finely diced apple to the filling.
- Swirl Bread French Toast: Slice thick and soak in egg-milk custard. Then fry.
Bonus: Toast a slice, slather with butter, and pair it with this viral chocolate strawberry dessert for an unforgettable treat.
FAQs (PAA Style) sourdough cinnamon bread
Does cinnamon affect sourdough?
Yes, cinnamon can slightly affect sourdough fermentation. It has mild antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can slow down yeast activity if used in large amounts. However, in this recipe, it’s used as a filling, not mixed into the dough, so it won’t interfere with rising.
What does the Bible say about sourdough bread? And the Quran?
In the Bible, sourdough (leaven) often symbolizes sin or moral influence, especially during Passover when leavened bread is avoided (Exodus 12). In the Quran, there’s no direct mention of sourdough, but Islamic teachings emphasize lawful and wholesome food. Naturally fermented bread like sourdough is generally permissible and considered nourishing.
Are sourdough cinnamon rolls healthier?
Sourdough cinnamon rolls are often easier to digest than those made with commercial yeast. The long fermentation breaks down gluten and phytic acid, potentially improving nutrient absorption. While still a sweet treat, sourdough versions may offer a slight nutritional edge.
Is sourdough bread actually healthier?
Yes, sourdough bread can be healthier due to natural fermentation. It may lower blood sugar spikes, improve gut health, and increase mineral bioavailability. It also tends to have fewer preservatives and better digestibility than many commercial breads.
Conclusion
This sourdough cinnamon bread is everything a home baker dreams of—soft, swirled, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re baking with starter or discard, this recipe is sure to earn repeat status in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked by the aroma alone. It’s a slice of joy worth sharing—and now you have all the steps to make it happen.
Read the full guide on Medium to fix the cinnamon swirl gap for good.
See the full visual guide to perfect sourdough cinnamon bread on Pinterest.