The Best Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread

This Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread is the perfect marriage of tangy sourdough and sweet, spiced swirls. With a tender, airy crumb and ribbons of cinnamon and brown sugar throughout, it’s an irresistible treat for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack. Naturally leavened and bursting with warm, comforting flavors, this bread is a standout addition to your sourdough repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect balance of sourdough tang and sweet cinnamon sugar
• Soft, sliceable texture with a beautifully caramelized crust
• Ideal for toasting or transforming into French toast
• No commercial yeast — fully fermented using sourdough starter
• Simple to prepare with overnight fermentation

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

• Active sourdough starter
• Warm water
• Bread flour
• Salt
• Honey or maple syrup (optional, for subtle sweetness)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter, softened

Directions

1. Feed Your Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the starter, warm water, flour, salt, and honey (if using) until combined into a shaggy dough. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
3. Stretch and Fold: Perform 3 to 4 sets of stretch and folds over 2 hours to strengthen the dough.
4. Bulk Fermentation: Let the dough rise at room temperature for 6–10 hours, or until nearly doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Have softened butter ready.
6. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press into a rectangle, spread with butter, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly. Roll the dough up like a jelly roll and place it seam-side down in a loaf pan or proofing basket.
7. Second Rise: Let the shaped dough rise at room temperature for 1 hour, or cold proof in the fridge for 8–12 hours.
8. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake in a Dutch oven or loaf pan for 35–45 minutes until golden brown. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
9. Cool: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to preserve its swirl pattern.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Bulk Fermentation: 6–10 hours
• Final Proof: 1 hour or overnight cold proof
• Bake Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 8–20 hours depending on proofing

Variations

• Raisin Cinnamon Swirl: Add golden or regular raisins to the filling
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts with the cinnamon sugar
• Glaze It: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled loaf for dessert-style sweetness
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar blend

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled bread in a sealed container at room temperature for 3 days
• Freezing: Freeze whole or sliced bread wrapped tightly for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Toast slices for the best flavor and texture

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour gives a chewier texture with better structure.

Why is my swirl uneven?

Make sure your filling is evenly spread and roll the dough tightly but gently.

Can I add raisins or nuts?

Absolutely! Add them with the cinnamon sugar filling.

Do I need a Dutch oven?

No, a loaf pan works fine. Bake covered with foil for the first 20 minutes for a better rise.

Why didn’t my bread rise?

Make sure your starter is active and bubbly before mixing the dough.

Can I bake this without a cold proof?

Yes, though a cold proof enhances flavor and makes slicing neater.

What’s the best way to serve this bread?

Toasted with butter, used in French toast, or topped with cream cheese or nut butter.

Can I double the cinnamon sugar filling?

You can, but too much may make it harder for the dough to rise properly.

Is it very sweet?

It’s mildly sweet with the option to add more sugar if you prefer.

Can I shape it as a boule?

Yes, just swirl the filling into the dough as you round it before the final rise.

Conclusion

The Best Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread combines the rich depth of sourdough with the nostalgic warmth of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or turned into a decadent breakfast, it’s a comforting loaf that never disappoints. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a loaf around at all times — it’s just that good.

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