If you adore the warm, cinnamon-spiced charm of snickerdoodle cookies, wait until you try this Classic Snickerdoodle Bread Recipe. It’s a heavenly twist on a beloved treat, transforming those nostalgic flavors into a soft, tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Each slice offers a delightful balance of buttery richness, a hint of tang from sour cream, and bursts of cinnamon chips, all topped with that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust. Trust me, this bread will become your new go-to comfort bake.

The image shows a close-up of three slices of cinnamon swirl cake placed on a white marbled surface. Each slice has two main layers: a light golden crumb with a soft, fluffy texture, and a visible swirled layer of dark brown cinnamon running through the middle, creating a marbled pattern. The top edge of the cake slices has a slightly crisp, darker crust with a dusting of cinnamon sugar. The background is blurred, showing more slices of the same cake, highlighting the texture and colors of the cinnamon swirls in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this Classic Snickerdoodle Bread Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a moist, flavorful loaf. Each component plays a vital role, from the flour that provides structure to the cinnamon chips that amp up the spice factor.

2 cups sugar: Sweetness that perfectly balances the cinnamon’s warmth and keeps the bread moist.
2 tsp baking powder: A leavening agent to help the bread rise with a tender crumb.
3 large eggs (room temperature): Adds richness and binds the ingredients together for perfect texture.
2.5 cups all-purpose flour: The structural base; I recommend King Arthur for consistent results.
2 tsp ground cinnamon: Freshly ground is best for deep, aromatic cinnamon flavor.
1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and moisture with a creamy crumb.
10 oz cinnamon chips (optional): These little gems bring bursts of cinnamon sweetness throughout the bread.
3/4 cup sour cream (full-fat): Adds tangy moisture that keeps the bread tender and soft.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, rounding out the taste beautifully.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
3 tbsp sugar and 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon (for sprinkling): A finishing touch that creates the signature snickerdoodle crust on top.

How to Make Classic Snickerdoodle Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Pans and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing two loaf pans to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients and sets the foundation for that lovely cinnamon backbone your bread needs.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 2 cups of sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy. This creaming step is crucial—it traps air, which helps the bread rise and also delivers a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Remember, softened butter is your secret weapon here, so don’t skip bringing it to room temperature.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

With your mixer running on medium speed, add eggs one at a time, fully blending each before adding the next. Then mix in the sour cream and pure vanilla extract until everything is smooth and fully combined. The sour cream’s richness will shine through, keeping the bread moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed to avoid overworking the batter, then slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour disappears; overmixing can make the bread tough. Once combined, gently fold in the cinnamon chips by hand. These pockets of cinnamon sweetness throughout the loaf elevate the bread into something truly special.

Step 5: Fill Pans and Add Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons sugar with 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each loaf. This topping creates the delightful, crackly crust that’s the hallmark of snickerdoodles and adds a burst of sweet cinnamon flavor to every bite.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Cover the pans loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the loaves cool in their pans for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This makes slicing cleaner and preserves the soft crumb inside.

How to Serve Classic Snickerdoodle Bread Recipe

A loaf of cinnamon swirl bread sits on a wooden board on a white marbled surface. The bread has a golden brown crust with a rough texture and visible cinnamon sugar swirls inside each slice. The cut slices reveal a soft, light cream interior with streaks of cinnamon brown. In the background, there is a white ceramic cup and a blurred cinnamon stick, adding a warm, cozy feel to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your Classic Snickerdoodle Bread Recipe with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. For a cozy touch, a pat of softened butter or cream cheese spread melts beautifully on warm slices.

Side Dishes

Pair this cinnamon-swirled bread with fresh fruit like berries or apple slices to balance its sweetness with a touch of brightness. It also meets its match with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk, creating the perfect snack or breakfast combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn your Classic Snickerdoodle Bread Recipe into French toast using thick slices dipped in a custard mixture and lightly fried until golden. Alternatively, cube leftover bread and toast it in the oven for cinnamon-infused croutons perfect for topping yogurt or ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover snickerdoodle bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 to 4 days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make this Classic Snickerdoodle Bread Recipe ahead of time, it freezes wonderfully. Slice before freezing for easy portioning, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To revive frozen or leftover bread, warm slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly until soft and fragrant. Adding a touch of butter or cream cheese on warm bread makes it even more irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in this recipe?

Absolutely! Full-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will still add moisture and a slight tang while keeping the bread tender. Just use the same amount as sour cream.

Are cinnamon chips necessary?

While optional, cinnamon chips definitely add delightful bursts of cinnamon flavor throughout the bread. If you can’t find them, extra ground cinnamon or chopped cinnamon candies can work, but cinnamon chips give that classic snickerdoodle touch.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, try substituting the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be mindful that texture may vary slightly, and some blends absorb more moisture, so you might need to adjust the sour cream amount.

How long does the bread keep fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, this bread stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. It’s best enjoyed sooner to savor its soft texture and flavor.

Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt by half to avoid over-seasoning. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final salt balance in your Classic Snickerdoodle Bread Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Classic Snickerdoodle Bread Recipe enough—it’s one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing breads that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whip it up for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy treat any day, and watch it become a fast favorite in your baking repertoire. Go ahead, bake a loaf today and fill your home with the irresistible scent of snickerdoodle magic.

Classic Snickerdoodle Bread Recipe