We’ve always been fans of the iconic Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread a cozy favorite from the beloved Great Harvest Bread Company. Its warm cinnamon swirls and sweet chip bursts create that perfect homemade comfort we crave on chilly mornings or as a simple treat.
In our kitchen we’ve recreated this crowd-pleaser with easy steps that bring bakery-fresh results right to your table. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a pro you’ll love how this recipe fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers on flavor every time.
Ingredients
To bring our homemade version of the Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread to life, we gather high-quality ingredients that deliver its signature warm cinnamon swirls and sweet chip bursts. Below, we list them in the order they are typically used, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes for accurate results.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for even texture, forming the base of our dough.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the cinnamon flavors.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Freshly ground if possible, for that intense, aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall taste without overpowering.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: Proofed in warm water to ensure proper rising.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk: Heated to 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast effectively.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Melted and cooled slightly, providing rich moisture.
- 1 large egg: Beaten lightly, for added structure and tenderness.
Add-Ins
- 1 cup cinnamon chips: High-quality variety like those from Great Harvest, stirred in gently to maintain their shape and burst of flavor.
This selection ensures our Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread recipe achieves the perfect balance of soft crumb and spicy sweetness, making it a go-to for cozy baking sessions.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into mixing our high-quality ingredients for the Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread, let’s ensure we have the right tools on hand. Having the proper equipment makes the baking process smooth and efficient, allowing us to achieve that perfect soft crumb and spicy sweetness with confidence.
We recommend the following essential items, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Mixing Bowls: Large and medium-sized bowls for combining dry ingredients like flour and sugar with wet ones such as warm milk and melted butter. Opt for stainless steel or glass for easy cleaning and durability.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of dry and liquid measuring cups, plus spoons, to accurately measure items like 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon—precision is key for bakery-quality results.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; if using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook for about 5-7 minutes to save time and effort.
- Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5-inch pan, preferably non-stick or greased, where we’ll shape and bake the dough to create that signature cinnamon-swirled loaf.
- Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for even baking—ensure yours has accurate temperature control to avoid under or over-baking our bread.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: To check that the warm milk reaches around 110°F (43°C) before adding yeast, preventing any risk of killing the yeast and ensuring a proper rise.
- Plastic Wrap or Clean Kitchen Towel: For covering the dough during its rise, allowing it to double in size in a warm spot for optimal texture.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, this helps the bread cool evenly, preserving its moist interior and preventing sogginess.
With these tools prepared, we’re set to transition seamlessly into the preparation steps, making our homemade version of this cozy favorite even more enjoyable.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, let’s walk through the steps to create our delicious Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread. We’ll ensure each phase delivers the perfect balance of soft crumb and spicy cinnamon sweetness.
Prepare the Dough
To start, we’ll mix and knead the dough for a tender texture that captures the essence of this cozy favorite. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast with 1 cup of warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C) and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Next, add 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, incorporating 1 cup of cinnamon chips during the last 2 minutes for even distribution. We love how the cinnamon chips add bursts of sweetness that will make every bite irresistible.
First Rise
Once the dough is prepared, we’ll let it rise to develop its flavorful structure. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides, then cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size—the aroma of cinnamon will begin to fill the kitchen, hinting at the warmth to come. This step is crucial for achieving that signature soft crumb we adore in Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread.
Shape the Loaf
With the dough risen, we’ll shape it into a beautiful loaf ready for baking. Gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 9×12 inches, sprinkle with an additional 1/4 cup of cinnamon chips if desired for extra bursts, and roll it up tightly from one short end to form a log. Pinch the seams and ends to seal, then place the shaped loaf seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. This technique ensures even distribution of the cinnamon swirls, promising a visually appealing and flavorful result in our homemade Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread.
Second Rise
We’ll allow the shaped loaf to rise again for optimal fluffiness. Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm area for 45-60 minutes, or until it has puffed up noticeably above the pan edges. Keep an eye on it—we aim for a dough that’s light and airy, enhancing the spicy sweetness that defines this beloved bread.
Bake the Bread
It’s time to bake and bring out the full flavors of our Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the risen loaf in the center rack and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 190°F (88°C). The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and fresh bread, making this step one of our favorites for its sensory rewards.
Cool the Bread
Finally, we’ll cool the bread to set its texture perfectly. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing. This prevents the bread from becoming gummy, ensuring each slice of our Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread showcases its soft, spicy interior at its best.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the joys of our Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We often prepare components in advance to enjoy fresh-baked loaves with minimal effort on the day of serving. Below, we outline reliable methods to make ahead the dough or the baked bread, ensuring you capture that signature warm cinnamon swirl and sweet chip bursts without compromising texture or flavor.
Preparing Dough in Advance
To save time, we recommend making the dough ahead and refrigerating it for later use. This approach allows the flavors to develop further, resulting in a more aromatic and tender crumb.
- Step 1: After the initial mixing and kneading steps from our recipe, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Step 2: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a reusable cover, then refrigerate it immediately. This slows fermentation and enhances the cinnamon’s spicy warmth.
- Step 3: Let the dough chill for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until it reaches a pliable state.
- Step 4: Proceed with the second rise, shaping, and baking as outlined in the original instructions. The result is a loaf with even more pronounced cinnamon chip bursts and a soft, fluffy interior.
Freezing the Dough
For longer storage, freezing the dough is a game-changer. We find this method preserves the fresh, bakery-like quality of Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread.
- Step 1: After the first rise, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or divide it into portions.
- Step 2: Wrap the shaped dough securely in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
- Step 3: Freeze for up to 1 month. The frozen dough retains its sweet, spicy essence, ready to thaw into a delightful home-baked treat.
- Step 4: To use, transfer the dough to the fridge overnight for slow thawing. Once thawed, let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours before baking as per the recipe.
Baking and Freezing the Bread
If you prefer to bake first, our freezing technique keeps the bread’s golden-brown crust and moist interior intact for weeks.
- Step 1: Bake the loaf completely as directed, then cool it fully on a wire rack.
- Step 2: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil for extra protection against moisture loss.
- Step 3: Freeze the wrapped loaf for up to 3 months. This maintains the inviting aroma of cinnamon and the satisfying crunch of those sweet chips upon reheating.
- Step 4: To serve, thaw the bread at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours or overnight in the fridge. For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore its warm, freshly baked appeal.
| Make-Ahead Method | Storage Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Dough | Up to 24 hours | Use within 24 hours for optimal rise and flavor. |
| Frozen Dough | Up to 1 month | Thaw slowly to avoid tearing the dough. |
| Baked and Frozen Bread | Up to 3 months | Reheat to revive cinnamon chip bursts. |
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread recipe to bring joy into your kitchen. It’s more than just baking—it’s about creating moments we’ll cherish with every warm slice.
Remember, we’re here to inspire your baking adventures, so dive in and savor the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread?
The key ingredients include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, active dry yeast, warm milk, unsalted butter, a large egg, and cinnamon chips. These high-quality items ensure a soft crumb with spicy sweetness and sweet bursts.
What equipment is needed to bake Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a stand or hand mixer, a loaf pan, an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C), an instant-read thermometer, plastic wrap or a kitchen towel for covering dough, and a cooling rack. This setup makes the process smooth and efficient.
How do I prepare the dough for Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread?
Mix the dry ingredients, then add wet ones like warm milk, butter, and egg. Knead until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours until doubled. Shape into a loaf, let it rise again, then bake for a golden-brown finish.
How long should the dough rise for optimal results?
The first rise takes 1-2 hours until doubled in size, allowing flavor development. The second rise after shaping is about 30-45 minutes for fluffiness. Use a warm, draft-free area for best results.
Can I make Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to enhance flavor. You can also freeze the dough or baked bread for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge and bake as needed to maintain texture and freshness.
What is the baking temperature and time for this bread?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and an internal temperature of 190°F is reached. This ensures a moist interior and perfect crust without over-baking.
How should I store Great Harvest Cinnamon Chip Bread?
Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat if desired to keep it fresh and flavorful.