Introduction
There’s something irresistible about the combination of chocolate chips and cinnamon. When you infuse this sweet duo into a warm, soft loaf of bread, the result is a dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that will have your family and friends asking for more. In this article, we’ll guide you through the recipe step-by-step and share tips for making the perfect loaf every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With basic ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert.
- Customizable: You can tweak the recipe by adding nuts, dried fruit, or even a glaze for extra flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (100g) chocolate chips
- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120ml) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or whole milk)
- Optional Topping:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure they are evenly distributed without overworking the batter.
- Pour and Sprinkle: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top for a delightful crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too much, cover it with foil in the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy loaf.
- Choosing the Right Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for the best flavor. You can even use mini chocolate chips for an even distribution.
- Adding Texture: For extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
How to Store Your Bread
Store your Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread is a delightful recipe that brings together the comforting flavors of cinnamon and the sweet richness of chocolate. Perfect for any occasion, this loaf is sure to be a hit with everyone. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can bake your own slice of heaven in no time. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this irresistible treat!
Serving and Storage Tips for Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread
Serving Tips:
- Best Served Warm: This bread is most delicious when served slightly warm. To enjoy it at its best, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm the whole loaf in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra indulgent treat. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone makes it even more decadent when served as a dessert.
- Breakfast Delight: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or a cup of tea for a satisfying start to the day. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a touch of sweetness.
- Toasted Option: For a crispy twist, toast individual slices and spread with a bit of butter or cream cheese.
Storage Tips:
- At Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. Be sure to place a piece of parchment paper or paper towel inside the container to absorb any moisture and keep the bread from getting soggy.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a longer storage period, you can refrigerate the bread for up to 1 week. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: For even longer storage, freeze the bread in slices or as a whole loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly-baked taste.
- Avoid Storing in Direct Sunlight: Keep the bread in a cool, dark place to prevent it from drying out or becoming stale quickly.
Reheating Tips:
- For individual slices, the microwave is a quick and effective option. Heat in 10-second intervals until just warmed through.
- To reheat the whole loaf, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain the loaf’s soft texture without drying it out.
- If you prefer a crispy crust, toast individual slices in a toaster or on a grill pan for a minute or two.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread fresh and flavorful whenever you like!
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes, you can definitely make this bread ahead of time. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days and can also be refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
2. Can I use a different type of chocolate chips? Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are the most commonly used, you can use any type you prefer, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. You can also try using mini chocolate chips for an even distribution throughout the loaf.
3. Can I add other ingredients to this recipe? Yes, feel free to get creative! You can add nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for added crunch, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a touch of sweetness. You could also add a swirl of cinnamon sugar throughout the batter for an extra burst of cinnamon flavor.
4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Use non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk in place of buttermilk or whole milk. Make sure to check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well.
PrintChocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread swirled with cinnamon and studded with melty chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it’s a comforting treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 3/4 cup (150 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the cinnamon sugar swirl:
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Make the cinnamon sugar swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Assemble the bread:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent the bread with aluminum foil after 30 minutes.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Variations: Add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or white chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.