Honey Butter Cinnamon Pull-Apart

This honey butter cinnamon pull-apart bread transforms ordinary ingredients into a showstopping treat that fills your home with the most incredible aroma. Each pull-apart layer reveals a perfect balance of honey sweetness and warm cinnamon spice that melts in your mouth.

I first made this bread for a Sunday morning family gathering, and it quickly became our tradition for special occasions. The way everyone gathers around to pull off warm, sticky pieces creates the kind of memory that makes cooking worthwhile.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: provides structure while keeping the texture tender
• Active dry yeast: creates that perfect pillowy rise use fresh for best results
• Whole milk: adds richness that water alone cannot achieve
• Unsalted butter: in both dough and filling for maximum flavor control
• Honey: brings complex sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon
• Brown sugar: caramelizes during baking creating pockets of gooey goodness
• Ground cinnamon: high quality Ceylon cinnamon makes a noticeable difference

Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

Combine warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. The liquid should be warm like bathwater around 110°F too hot will kill the yeast, too cold will prevent activation.

Build the Dough Foundation:

Add eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until well combined. These ingredients provide richness and flavor to the dough while the salt balances the sweetness.

Develop the Gluten:

Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms, then knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel tacky but not sticky, and when you press it with your finger, it should slowly spring back.

First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Look for a puffy, expanded texture that indicates active fermentation.

Create the Honey Cinnamon Filling:

While the dough rises, beat together softened butter, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and creamy. Ensure butter is truly softened not melted for easy spreading without tearing the dough.

Shape the Dough:

Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, then roll into a 12x18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Aim for uniform thickness throughout for even baking.

Layer the Flavors:

Spread the honey butter cinnamon filling evenly across the entire surface of the dough, reaching all the way to the edges. This ensures every bite contains the delicious filling.

Create Pull Apart Layers:

Cut the dough into 6 long strips, stack them carefully, then cut into 6 squares. This technique creates the distinctive pull apart layers that make this bread so special.

Second Rise:

Arrange the dough squares upright in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan, then cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy. The dough should expand to fill the pan, looking soft and pillowy.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, tenting with foil halfway through if browning too quickly. The bread should reach an internal temperature of 190°F and sound hollow when tapped.

Glaze While Warm:

Whisk together melted butter, honey, powdered sugar, and milk to create a pourable glaze, then drizzle over the still warm bread. The warm bread will absorb some of the glaze, creating extra moisture and sweetness throughout.

Pin

The honey in this recipe does more than add sweetness it helps keep the bread moist for days longer than regular cinnamon bread. My grandmother always said honey was nature's preservative, and this recipe proves her right. I particularly love using local wildflower honey which adds subtle floral notes that complement the cinnamon perfectly.

Make Ahead Magic

This pull-apart bread is perfect for busy mornings or entertaining. You can prepare the dough and shape it the evening before, then place it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then proceed with the final rise and baking. The slow overnight fermentation actually enhances the flavor complexity, giving you an even more delicious result with less morning stress.

Creative Variations

Transform this basic recipe by adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts between the layers for delightful crunch. For a fruit-forward version, sprinkle dried cranberries or finely diced apples tossed with a bit of flour throughout the filling. During citrus season, add orange or lemon zest to both the dough and glaze for a bright, aromatic twist that balances the richness perfectly. My personal favorite variation includes a tablespoon of espresso powder in the filling, which deepens the cinnamon flavor without tasting like coffee.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your dough isn't rising properly, create a warm environment by preheating your oven to its lowest setting for 2 minutes, then turning it off and placing the covered dough inside with the door cracked. For cleaner cutting, chill the filled dough rectangle for 15 minutes before slicing. This firms up the filling and prevents it from oozing out. If your bread is browning too quickly but remains doughy inside, lower your oven temperature by 25 degrees and extend baking time by 5-10 minutes, keeping it covered with foil.

Serving Suggestions

While this bread is certainly delicious on its own, elevate it to a proper dessert by serving warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and an extra drizzle of warm honey. For brunch, pair with a savory egg casserole and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. During holiday mornings, serve alongside a festive mimosa or spiced coffee for a memorable treat. The bread also makes excellent French toast the next day if you happen to have leftovers.

Pin

This bread is best enjoyed warm from the oven, when the honey glaze is still slightly gooey and the cinnamon aroma fills the air. It's a perfect centerpiece for any gathering and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, substitute the same amount of instant yeast and skip the proofing step; mix directly with the dry ingredients.

→ How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and look puffy; gently press with a fingertip—if it springs back slowly, it's ready.

→ Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Prepare the dough and fill the pan, then refrigerate overnight before the final rise; bake fresh in the morning.

→ What other fillings work well?

Try chopped nuts, raisins, orange zest, or a chocolate spread for delightful variations on the classic flavors.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or reheat gently before serving for best texture.

→ Can I make this without eggs or dairy?

Swap eggs for a flaxseed mix and use plant-based butter and milk for a vegan-friendly version.