Soft Cinnamon Roll Bread with Cream Cheese Icing

If you love classic cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, less fussy version, Soft Cinnamon Roll Bread is your dream come true! This recipe combines the gooey swirls and buttery sweetness of traditional cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a loaf-style bread.

Each slice features ribbons of cinnamon-sugar filling nestled in a soft, fluffy dough, topped with luscious cream cheese icing that melts into every warm crevice. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert — basically any time you crave comfort in edible form.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures everything I adore about cinnamon rolls — the aroma, the texture, the sweetness — without the long rising and shaping process. The bread stays incredibly soft, and the icing adds that signature tangy-sweet touch that makes every bite irresistible.

It’s also a recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a cozy weekend bake, this bread turns ordinary days into something special.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Combines the best parts of cinnamon rolls and sweet bread in one easy bake.
• No need to roll and slice individual buns — just swirl and bake!
• Perfect for holidays, brunches, or weekend treats.
• Soft, buttery texture with rich cream cheese icing.
• Your home will smell like a bakery!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour
• Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Calories: ~310 kcal per slice

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup warm water
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (for desired consistency)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make the soft dough and let it rise.
2. Roll out dough and spread the cinnamon-butter filling.
3. Swirl or layer the dough into a loaf pan.
4. Bake until golden brown.
5. Top with creamy icing while still slightly warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk, warm water, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add egg and salt, then gradually stir in flour.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until soft and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Soften butter and set aside.

Step 3: Shape the Bread

1. Once dough has risen, roll it into a rectangle (about 9×14 inches).
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
4. Roll up the dough tightly from the short end like a jelly roll.
5. Cut the roll in half lengthwise (to expose the swirls) and twist both halves together.
6. Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cover loaf lightly and let rise another 20–25 minutes.
3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Let cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix well.
3. Add milk gradually to reach desired consistency.
4. Spread over warm (not hot) bread so it melts slightly into the swirls.

How to Serve

• Serve warm slices with a drizzle of extra icing.
• Pair with coffee, chai latte, or hot cocoa.
• For dessert, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist!

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing.
• Don’t overbake — the bread should stay soft and tender.
• If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Rewarm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh softness.

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Bread: Add diced apples to the filling.
• Nutty Delight: Add pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
• Maple Icing: Replace some milk in the icing with maple syrup.
• Chocolate Swirl Bread: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
• Overnight Version: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled bread tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • To serve, thaw overnight and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
• Icing: Freeze separately or make fresh before serving for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Electric mixer (for icing)
• Parchment paper (optional, for easier removal)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute equal amounts of instant yeast and skip the proofing step — just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Q2: Can I make this bread in a stand mixer?
Definitely! Use the dough hook attachment and knead for about 5 minutes.

Q3: How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and it should sound hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans.

Q5: Can I make it without icing?
Sure — though the cream cheese icing adds a wonderful flavor contrast. You can also dust with powdered sugar instead.

Conclusion

Soft Cinnamon Roll Bread with Cream Cheese Icing is everything you love about homemade comfort baking — soft, gooey, aromatic, and irresistibly sweet. It’s a recipe that makes your kitchen smell like pure happiness and turns any breakfast or dessert into a special occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this bread is forgiving, fun, and foolproof. One bite of the warm, cinnamon-laced layers topped with creamy icing, and you’ll understand why this is a must-bake classic that belongs in your recipe collection forever.