Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Heavenly Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe for Cozy Bakers

Imagine soft, pillowy layers of dough sprinkled with sweet cinnamon pull-apart bread that beckon you closer with their irresistible aroma.

Warm spices dance through delicate, interconnected sections waiting to be gently torn apart.

Tender, buttery dough promises a delightful sensory experience that melts in your mouth.

Swirls of fragrant cinnamon weave through each delectable morsel, creating a mesmerizing texture that begs to be savored.

Comfort meets culinary artistry in this indulgent treat that upgrades ordinary ingredients into something magical.

Rich, warm notes promise a delectable journey of pure satisfaction.

You can want to gather around and share this crowd-pleasing delight that sparks joy with every bite.

Why Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Is Worth the Wait

  • This sweet cinnamon pull-apart bread delivers a magical combination of soft, pillowy dough with crispy, caramelized sugar edges that tear apart beautifully in delightful chunks.
  • Designed for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning Bundt pan dessert that looks professionally made with minimal complicated steps.
  • Perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or cozy morning breakfasts, this bread offers an interactive eating experience where everyone can pull and share warm, cinnamon-infused pieces.
  • The recipe allows flexible rising times and can be prepared partially in advance, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want a special homemade treat without last-minute stress.

What You’ll Need to Make Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Dough Ingredients:
  • Flour: Foundation of the bread, provides structure and texture.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate yeast.
  • Water: Helps blend ingredients and develop dough consistency.
  • Butter (Melted): Provides richness and helps soften dough.
  • Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
  • Yeast: Crucial for bread rising and creating light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates sweet and spicy exterior layer for bread.
  • Butter (Melted): Helps sugar mixture adhere to dough balls.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet finishing layer.
  • Milk: Helps create glossy, pourable glaze consistency.

Baking Instructions for Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large measuring cup, combine:
  • Milk
  • Water
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar
  • Yeast

Mix thoroughly until sugar dissolves and yeast becomes bubbly.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

Using a stand mixer with dough hook:
  • Add flour
  • Add salt

Start mixing on low speed, slowly pour in the yeast mixture.

Increase to medium speed and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.

Adjust with small amounts of flour if dough feels too sticky.

Step 3: Allow First Rise

Transfer dough to a greased bowl.

Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (1-2 hours).

Step 4: Prepare Bundt Pan

Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with softened butter.

Ensure complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Shape Dough Balls

Gently deflate risen dough on a floured surface.

Stretch into a rectangle.

Cut into 64 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a small ball.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Coating

Prepare two separate bowls:
  • Melted butter bowl
  • Mixture of
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Dip each dough ball in butter.

Roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Arrange in Bundt pan, staggering placement.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover pan and let dough rise again (1-2 hours).

Balls should look puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bake in center of oven for 30-35 minutes.

Bread should turn golden brown.

Internal temperature should reach 190-200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Cool bread in pan for 5 minutes.

Carefully invert onto serving platter.

Whisk together:
  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Milk

Drizzle glaze over warm bread.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Soft and Sticky Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure your milk and water mixture is warm (not hot) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a more successful rise.
  • Roll Consistent Dough Balls: Use a bench scraper or knife to cut uniform pieces, then roll each between your palms with gentle pressure for even-sized balls.
  • Layer Strategically: Stagger dough balls slightly in the Bundt pan to create beautiful, intricate pulling patterns and prevent dense sections.
  • Check Bread Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm internal temperature, avoiding over or underbaking which can impact texture and taste.
  • Glaze for Maximum Flavor: Drizzle glaze while bread is still warm to help it seep into crevices, creating a more decadent and moist final result.

Storing and Reheating Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 300°F, wrap bread in aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave Option: Warm individual pieces for 15-20 seconds, but be cautious as this method can make the bread slightly tough.

Ideal Pairings for Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The sweet cinnamon notes of the pull-apart bread harmonize perfectly with a rich, smooth vanilla latte. The warm coffee complements the bread's spicy-sweet profile, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
  • Match with Caramel Apple Cider: Enhance the bread's cinnamon flavor by serving it alongside a warm caramel apple cider. The fruity undertones and caramel sweetness bring out the bread's comforting warmth and create a cozy culinary experience.
  • Complement with Maple Pecan Ice Cream: Cool down the warm bread with a scoop of maple pecan ice cream. The nutty, sweet maple flavor beautifully echoes the cinnamon's warmth, while the cold ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the freshly baked bread.
  • Serve with Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea perfectly mirror the cinnamon in the bread, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The tea's subtle heat and complex spice profile elevate the sweetness of the pull-apart bread.

Flavor Variations of Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

  • Chocolate Chip Swirl: Transform the classic cinnamon bread by adding mini chocolate chips to the sugar coating, creating a rich, decadent version that chocolate lovers will adore.
  • Berry Burst Variation: Incorporate finely chopped dried cranberries or blueberries into the sugar mixture, adding a tangy fruit element that brightens the sweet bread's flavor profile.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the dough layers, introducing a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone to the traditional pull-apart bread.
  • Maple Pecan Spin: Replace the regular sugar coating with a blend of brown sugar, maple syrup, and crushed pecans, giving the bread a warm, caramelized flavor that feels like a cozy autumn morning.

FAQs About Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

  • Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it do its first and second rise in the refrigerator. Just take it out 30-45 minutes before baking to come to room temperature.

  • What if my dough isn't rising properly?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and your liquid is warm (not hot), around 110-115 degrees F. A warm, draft-free spot is crucial for good rising. If it’s still not rising, your yeast might be expired.

  • How do I store the leftover pull-apart bread?

Store the bread covered at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 weeks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing.

  • Can I use a different pan if I don't have a Bundt pan?

While a Bundt pan is ideal, you can use a large tube pan or even a deep round cake pan. Just ensure it’s well-greased and the dough has room to expand.

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Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Sweet Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible sweet cinnamon pull-apart bread promises pure comfort from first warm, gooey bite. Layers of delicate dough swirled with spicy cinnamon sugar invite pure indulgence that will melt hearts and satisfy deepest comfort cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ¼ cups (462 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (212 grams) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (105 milliliters/3.5 fluid ounces) warm milk
  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters/2.7 fluid ounces) warm water

Yeast and Sweeteners:

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • ¼ cup (53 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Butter and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons softened butter
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) melted butter
  • ½ cup (113 grams) melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup (114 grams) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Craft a silky dough by whisking milk, water, melted butter, sugar, and yeast in a measuring cup until the mixture becomes uniform and yeast activates.
  2. In a stand mixer using a dough hook, combine flour and salt, then gradually incorporate the liquid mixture, kneading at medium speed for 5-7 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and elastic.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, envelop with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm environment until it expands to double its original volume, approximately 1-2 hours.
  4. Generously coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with softened butter to prevent sticking during baking.
  5. Deflate the risen dough gently and spread it on a floured surface, then slice into 64 uniform pieces and roll each into a perfect sphere.
  6. Prepare the coating by melting butter in one bowl and mixing brown sugar with cinnamon in another.
  7. Immerse each dough ball first in melted butter, then roll thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, strategically positioning them in the Bundt pan to create an appealing layered arrangement.
  8. Cover the pan and permit a second rise until the dough becomes puffy and nearly doubles, typically 1-2 hours.
  9. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and position the pan in the center rack.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread achieves a rich golden-brown hue and reaches an internal temperature between 190-200 degrees F.
  11. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter.
  12. Whisk confectioners’ sugar with milk to create a smooth glaze, drizzling it artfully over the warm bread before serving.

Notes

  • Dough Precision Matters: Kneading the dough for exactly 5-7 minutes creates the perfect texture, ensuring a soft and slightly sticky consistency that’s crucial for pull-apart bread success.
  • Temperature Is Key: Maintaining a warm environment during rising helps yeast activate properly, dramatically improving the bread’s volume and texture.
  • Strategic Arrangement Technique: Carefully positioning dough balls prevents stacking, allowing each piece to cook evenly and create beautiful, distinct layers.
  • Butter and Sugar Magic: Dipping each dough ball in melted butter then coating with cinnamon-sugar creates an irresistible caramelized exterior that brings maximum flavor.
  • Doneness Check: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the bread’s internal temperature between 190-200°F, guaranteeing a perfectly baked result without dry edges.
  • Serving Recommendation: Drizzle warm glaze immediately after baking to enhance the bread’s moisture and create an appetizing, glossy finish that makes the dessert look professionally prepared.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 339
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 118 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 32 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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