Craving a warm homemade loaf for weeknight dinner? This easy cinnamon sugar sourdough bread recipe is a family favorite made with simple ingredients and a quick proofing method, save for later and bake tonight

The Best Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread

Introduction

Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, infused with the sweet and spicy flavors of cinnamon and sugar. Our cinnamon sugar sourdough bread recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast or brunch game. With its perfect balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and impressive results, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. The best part? It’s made with everyday ingredients, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen without breaking the bank or searching for obscure ingredients.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: Our recipe combines the natural yeast flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar, creating a truly unique taste experience. Plus, all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: Despite being a sourdough recipe, our cinnamon sugar sourdough bread is surprisingly easy to make. With a simple mixing and rising process, you’ll be enjoying freshly baked bread in no time.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The combination of cinnamon and sugar on top of the bread creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust that’s sure to impress friends and family. And the best part? It requires minimal effort to achieve this stunning result.

Key Ingredients

To make our cinnamon sugar sourdough bread, you’ll need the following main ingredients: 1 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of active sourdough starter, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 4 cups of bread flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted. You can also use practical substitutions like whole wheat flour instead of bread flour or honey instead of granulated sugar. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the final flavor and texture of the bread.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sourdough starter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the starter is fully dissolved, then add the bread flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 4-5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oblong loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush the top with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Step 4: Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Handy Tips

Make sure to use a high-quality sourdough starter for the best flavor. If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can create one from scratch or purchase it from a bakery or online retailer.
Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to a dense, tough bread. Instead, mix the ingredients just until they come together in a shaggy dough, then let the dough rest and rise.
If you want a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount of cinnamon to 1 teaspoon or more, depending on your personal preference.

Heat Control

To achieve the perfect golden-brown crust, it’s essential to control the heat in your oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the bread, which should be around 200°F (90°C) when it’s fully cooked.

Crunch Factor

The cinnamon sugar topping on our sourdough bread creates a beautiful, crunchy crust that’s perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish. To achieve this crunch, make sure to sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top of the bread before baking. You can also try using a mixture of granulated sugar and brown sugar for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a pizza stone in your oven to achieve a crispy, well-baked crust. The stone will help to distribute the heat evenly and absorb any excess moisture from the bread.
Try using a sourdough starter that’s been fed and allowed to rest for a few hours before baking. This will help to create a more complex, sour flavor in the bread.
Experiment with different types of sugar, such as turbinado or Demerara, for a slightly different flavor and texture in the cinnamon sugar topping.

Storage Tips

Store your cinnamon sugar sourdough bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months and thaw it at room temperature or in the microwave.
To reheat the bread, simply wrap it in foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
Consider using a bread box or paper bag to store the bread, as these will help to maintain the bread’s natural moisture and flavor.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give our cinnamon sugar sourdough bread as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative tin or basket lined with parchment paper or a tea towel. You can also add a few extra touches, such as a packet of cinnamon sugar or a small jar of jam or honey, to make the gift even more special. Simply wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the tin or basket, then add your desired extras and finish with a ribbon or gift tag.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Try using different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to create a unique flavor profile in your sourdough bread.
🌟 Experiment with creative toppings, such as dried fruit or chopped nuts, to add texture and flavor to the bread.
🌟 Consider using different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, to create a slightly different flavor and texture in the bread.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your bread is too dense or tough, it may be due to overmixing the dough. Try mixing the ingredients just until they come together in a shaggy dough, then letting the dough rest and rise.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, such as sourdough starter or cinnamon, you can try substituting it with a different ingredient. Just keep in mind that this may affect the final flavor and texture of the bread.
Over/undercooking signs: If your bread is overcooked, it may be too dark or dry. If it’s undercooked, it may be too pale or soft. Try checking the bread’s internal temperature or using a thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze our cinnamon sugar sourdough bread for up to 2 months. Simply wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Is it gluten-free? No, our cinnamon sugar sourdough bread contains gluten due to the use of bread flour. However, you can try substituting the bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of the recipe.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double our cinnamon sugar sourdough bread recipe to make a larger batch of bread. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and follow the same instructions as before.

Conclusion

Our cinnamon sugar sourdough bread recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast or brunch game. With its perfect balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and impressive results, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. So why not give it a try? Experiment with different flavor variations, try out new toppings and ingredients, and don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Happy baking!

Best Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread Recipe