Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread Recipe

If there’s one thing that screams warmth, weekend mornings, and sticky fingers, it’s this Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread. Imagine soft, buttery dough layered with brown sugar and cinnamon, baked into golden, caramelized perfection that pulls apart piece by piece—no slicing required. It’s like cinnamon rolls met monkey bread and had a dreamy brunch baby. 😍

This is a recipe the whole family can get excited about. It’s fun for kids to help build, feels super special, and makes your kitchen smell like a bakery. I’ve made it for holidays, lazy Sundays, and even as a fun twist on birthday breakfasts.

What You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup water
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Optional Vanilla Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pro Tips for Cinnamon Bread Success

🍞 Use room temp eggs and milk – it helps the dough rise better.
👩‍🍳 Make sure your yeast is fresh! Check the expiration date before starting.
🍯 Brush the top with extra butter before baking for a golden crust.
🎉 Let kids stack the layers – it’s fun and totally okay if they’re messy!
🥶 Chill the dough if it’s sticky – even 10–15 minutes in the fridge helps.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful!)
• Rolling pin
• Loaf pan
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Whisk

Substitutions & Variations

🌾 Make it gluten-free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
🍫 Add chocolate chips between layers for a dessert twist
🍎 Add thin apple slices with the filling for a fall version
🍋 Add lemon zest to the glaze for a citrusy finish

Make-Ahead Tips

• You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight
• Assemble the bread and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours—bake fresh in the morning
• Glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge

How to Make Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a saucepan, warm milk, water, and butter until butter is melted. Let cool until just warm (not hot).
2. In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add warm liquid, eggs, and vanilla. Mix, then add remaining flour gradually.
4. Knead for about 5–6 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours, until doubled.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

6. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
7. Melt butter and keep it separate for brushing.

Step 3: Roll and Layer the Dough

8. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (roughly 12×20 inches).
9. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar.
10. Cut into 5 vertical strips, stack them, then cut the stack into 5 squares.
11. Layer the stacks upright in a greased loaf pan.

Step 4: Second Rise

12. Cover the pan and let the dough rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

13. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
14. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
15. If it’s browning too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Glaze (Optional)

16. Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
17. Drizzle over the warm bread just before serving.

Leftovers & Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or fridge for 4 days
• Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for gooeyness
• You can also freeze the loaf (before or after baking) and reheat in oven

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread is soft, sweet, and downright irresistible. It’s the kind of treat that brings everyone to the kitchen—whether they’re helping build it or just waiting for that first warm piece. Serve it with coffee, tea, or milk, and watch it disappear one layer at a time.

💬 Have you made this yet? Let me know how it went! Did the kids help layer the dough? Did you add a twist? Drop your questions or stories in the comments—I love hearing how your baking days go! 🧡