Cinnamon babka is one of those bakes that feels almost magical – a soft, buttery loaf with ribbons of cinnamon-sugar spiraling through tender layers of dough. The scent alone is enough to fill your home with warmth and anticipation, and when you finally slice into it, you’re rewarded with a beautiful marbled interior that’s both visually striking and irresistibly delicious. Sweet, rich, and aromatic, cinnamon babka is a true celebration of comfort baking.
Originating in Eastern Europe, babka has become a beloved treat around the world, known for its soft brioche-like dough and intricate swirls of filling. The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk, which give it a soft, slightly chewy texture and a golden crust. The filling, a fragrant mix of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter – melts into the layers as the babka bakes, creating caramelized edges and gooey ribbons that make each slice special. A final drizzle of syrup or glaze adds shine and helps keep the loaf moist for days.
What makes cinnamon babka especially wonderful is its versatility. It’s perfect for breakfast with a cup of dalgona coffee, served as an afternoon treat, or enjoyed as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can bake it in a loaf pan for a traditional look, twist it into a wreath for holidays, or even shape it into individual rolls for something more casual. However you present it, the layers of dough and cinnamon filling always steal the show.
Baking a babka isn’t just about the final result, it’s about the process. Rolling out the dough, spreading the filling, twisting it into shape, and watching it rise into a golden masterpiece feels deeply satisfying. Every step builds anticipation for that first slice, warm and fragrant, with its sweet cinnamon aroma filling the air. Whether shared with family or gifted to friends, cinnamon babka is more than just bread, it’s a piece of tradition, comfort, and pure joy baked into every swirl.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 cup whole milk warm
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 egg large
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms.
- Add butter, one tablespoon at a time, until incorporated. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1.5 hours.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle. Spread butter over the surface, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal it, and cut in half lengthwise.
- Twist the two pieces together, keeping the cut sides facing up, and place in a loaf pan.
- Cover with a cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake until golden brown, about 40 to 45 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
The cinnamon and sugar combo is heavenly. I added some nuts because why not? It’s a hit!
It turned out kinda dry. I followed instructions but maybe I kneaded too much? Not sure if I’ll try again.
Delicious but I burnt the bottom! Always check on it. Good recipe overall though.
This Babka is amazing! I never knew it could be so easy to make. My family devoured it in one sitting. 10/10 would recommend!
I had no idea how to make yeast bread, but this recipe made it so simple! Mine came out just like the picture!
I think this is good but my grandma made the best Babka. No one can compete with her.
Y’all really use 3 cups of flour? I just eyeballed mine and it was a big mess. 🤷♀️
Babka… what’s that? Can I eat it with butter? Lol. Gonna give it a shot tho!