Cinnamon Christmas Bread – Best Holiday Loaf Recipe

Looking for the perfect holiday treat to gift or serve for breakfast? This Cinnamon Christmas Bread is the ultimate festive favorite. With its tender crumb, rich buttery base, and swirls of sweet brown sugar and cinnamon, it’s a beloved tradition in many homes during December. Whether you enjoy it warm on Christmas morning or wrap it up as a thoughtful gift, this loaf is as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing. Plus, it’s easy to make with pantry staples, making it ideal for busy holiday baking.

A Beloved Holiday Staple for Every Kitchen

What makes Cinnamon Christmas Bread so irresistible? It’s soft, sweet, and filled with cinnamon-spiced goodness — the kind of nostalgic flavor that reminds you of cozy mornings and seasonal cheer. While technically a loaf-shaped coffee cake, this bread is ideal for gifting or savoring with a hot drink. It’s also a foolproof bake, coming together with minimal prep time and simple steps, yet it delivers impressive flavor and texture.

This recipe yields two loaves, making it efficient for sharing. Whether you’re surprising neighbors, co-workers, or simply treating your own family, Cinnamon Christmas Bread never fails to delight.

Festive Pantry Staples with a Purpose

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cinnamon Christmas Bread — each ingredient brings its own magic to the loaf.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moist texture
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall warmth of the bread
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the bread, ensuring a sturdy but soft slice
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Work together to lift the batter and create a light texture
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture, richness, and a hint of tang that complements the cinnamon
• Brown Sugar: Deep, caramel-like sweetness for the filling
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that brings holiday warmth and aroma

Simple Swaps for Dietary Needs or Missing Ingredients

Need to adapt this Cinnamon Christmas Bread for different diets or pantry limitations? Here are some easy, tested swaps.

• Sour Cream → Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a similar tang and texture
• Brown Sugar → A mix of white sugar and molasses works in a pinch
• All-Purpose Flour → Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version
• Butter → Try a dairy-free baking spread for a lactose-free option
• Eggs → Use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer if you’re baking vegan-friendly

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Christmas Bread

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans
   Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottoms and sides of two 9x5x3-inch loaf pans thoroughly.
2. Mix the Filling
   In a small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Beat the Wet Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1½ cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup butter, 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and 3 eggs. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, 1½ teaspoons baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon salt.
5. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
   Add the flour mixture and 1½ cups sour cream alternately to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just blended. Avoid overmixing.
6. Layer the Batter and Filling
   Spread about ¼ of the batter (approximately 1½ cups) into each loaf pan. Sprinkle each with ¼ of the cinnamon filling. Repeat with another layer of batter and top again with the remaining filling.
7. Bake Until Perfectly Done
   Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For mini loaves, check doneness at 40–45 minutes.
8. Cool, Wrap, and Enjoy
   Let the loaves cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before removing. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap for gifting or serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Christmas Bread

• Test Early: Check the loaves at 55 minutes to prevent overbaking
• Don’t Overmix: A gentle mix ensures a tender crumb
• Use Parchment Paper: For easier removal and cleaner presentation
• Cool Before Wrapping: Prevents sogginess and keeps the bread fresh
• Freeze It: This bread freezes beautifully — wrap tightly in foil and store up to 2 months

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Pairing Ideas and Tasty Variations

Want to make this recipe even more special? Try these serving ideas and creative twists:

• Serve With: Hot apple cider, coffee, chai latte, or eggnog
• Topping Ideas: Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or a light vanilla icing
• Additions: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and depth
• Storage Tip: Keep wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week
• Mini Gift Loaves: Divide batter into smaller pans and bake for 40–45 minutes — perfect for holiday gift baskets

For a unique take, try a Spicy Cinnamon Christmas Bread version by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon filling.

A Delicious Holiday Tradition Worth Sharing

More than just a treat, Cinnamon Christmas Bread is a heartwarming holiday tradition. It’s perfect for Christmas breakfast, a dessert table centerpiece, or as a thoughtful homemade gift that shows you care. The cozy aroma, rich flavor, and nostalgic cinnamon swirl make it a loaf people look forward to year after year.

Start your new tradition today by baking this beloved Cinnamon Christmas Bread — the kind of recipe that spreads joy, one slice at a time.

A Sweet Way to Celebrate the Season

Whether you’re baking it for loved ones or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, Cinnamon Christmas Bread is more than just a holiday recipe — it’s a festive tradition wrapped in warmth and sugar. The balance of rich, buttery batter and fragrant cinnamon filling makes it irresistible, while its simplicity means even novice bakers can master it. Let this recipe become part of your seasonal joy, bringing smiles, comfort, and a little sweetness to every celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Christmas Bread

More Relevant Recipes

• Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Sourdough Bread: This cozy, spiced bread combines the tang of sourdough with the comforting sweetness of cinnamon swirl — a perfect autumnal cousin to the classic Cinnamon Christmas Bread, with similar warming spices and a moist crumb.
• Pumpkin Streusel Bread: Featuring a soft pumpkin-infused base topped with a crumbly cinnamon streusel, this bread shares the festive feel and warm spice profile of Cinnamon Christmas Bread while adding a delicious fall twist.
• Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze: A moist and flavorful pumpkin loaf finished with a sweet maple glaze. This recipe mirrors the rich holiday flavors of Cinnamon Christmas Bread and is ideal for gifting or serving during seasonal gatherings.

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