I wanted to re-share the Best Cinnamon Bread Recipe for sharing with friends, neighbors, teachers, co-workers, Christmas party hosts—or just keeping for yourself. Plus, it’s amazing with a cup of coffee on Christmas morning.
This recipe is a tradition in my family. My mom has been making it every Christmas for as long as I can remember, and a few years ago, I started carrying it on. These little loaves are so easy to make in big batches and always turn out delicious.
Here’s my tip: make more than you think you’ll need. A single batch makes six mini loaves, and they’re perfect to have on hand for last-minute gifts. And if you don’t end up giving them all away, no worries—they freeze beautifully! This recipe is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Why This Is The Best Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- You can also make this recipe as a jumbo loaf, jumbo muffins, or mini muffins!
- Perfect for snacks, an afternoon treat, or breakfast!
- It’s a beautiful, delicious, and inexpensive gift! Gift your loaves in a pretty ceramic dish or disposable loaf pan wrapped with parchment paper, cellophane, or saran wrap — and tie with a pretty bow or baker’s twine! If you’re feeling extra festive you can garnish with cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices!
- It’s freezer friendly. If you don’t plan to eat it right away, wrap your loaves tightly in heavy foil and pop in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cinnamon Bread Variations
You can add so many fun things to this bread!
- Fold in some chocolate chips or cinnamon chips
- Add fruit like raisins or diced apples.
- Swirl in some nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Cinnamon Bread Christmas Gift
The Best Cinnamon Bread Recipe for making mini loaves to gift to friends, neighbors, teachers, co-workers, Christmas party hosts, YOURSELF, and more!
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Topping
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2/3 cup sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, mix sugar, flour, baking powder & salt.
3. In a large bowl (or stand mixer), mix eggs, milk, and oil. Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the bowl and mix until well combined.
4. Grease baking dishes and pour bread mixture an inch below to the top (so it doesn't overflow while rising).
5. In a small bowl, mix the topping ingredients. Sprinkle generously on top of each loaf and swirl in with a knife.
6. Bake mini loaves for about 25 minutes or a single large loaf for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Notes
Cinnamon Bread Variations: You can add so many fun things to this bread!
- Fold in some chocolate chips or cinnamon chips
- Add fruit like raisins or diced apples.
- Swirl in some nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
To Freeze: wrap loaves tightly in heavy foil and pop in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe originally published December 2017 and republished in December 2023. The recipe remains the same.
valerie
Sunday 15th of December 2024
Can I make a week in advance. should i keep the in fridge
Christina
Sunday 15th of December 2024
Yes! But I would make and freeze! Then thaw it the day before you’re eating/gifting it!
G. Foley
Friday 22nd of December 2023
Well, I made a mess in my oven. I wasn’t sure what size “mini” was. I used (4) 6x3.5 pans and filled to about an inch below rim. I had a bit left so added it to a 5th pan. The one that came out correctly was the scrap one. The others over flowed over the rim and onto a sheet that I had set on the rack under them just in case this was going to happen. Mad at myself for not baking one off first. Waiting to cool before tasting. I guess these will go in my freezer instead of for gifting….6 pans this size is probably correct as in other posts state.
Sharon
Sunday 17th of December 2023
Never mind I see it in someone else's comments
Sharon
Sunday 17th of December 2023
Cinnamon Bread Christmas Gift- How many loaves does this recipe make? Thank you
Liz
Friday 15th of December 2023
Hi there! Just wondering how many mini loaves this recipe makes. Thanks so much!!
Erin
Friday 15th of December 2023
@Liz, Someone else commented and said it made 6 mini loaves for them!