Warm, tender, breakfast-perfect loaf
This Cozy Honey-Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread is the kind of breakfast treat that instantly warms your kitchen—and your mood. Soft, lightly sweet, and packed with hearty oats, this loaf delivers the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment. It’s ideal for busy mornings, weekend brunch, or anytime you want a homemade baked good without spending hours in the kitchen. With warm cinnamon, natural honey sweetness, and a tender crumb, this bread tastes amazing toasted with butter, a drizzle of honey, or even turned into cozy French toast. 🍯✨ One bake and it might just become your new breakfast ritual.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 55 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 slices
📝 Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup hot water
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar (for activating yeast)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Loaf pan
- Clean kitchen towel
- Cooling rack
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Soften the oats: Combine oats and hot water in a bowl. Let sit 5 minutes to soften.
- Activate the yeast: In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit 5–7 minutes until foamy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Stir honey and melted butter into the oat mixture.
- Mix the dough: Add the oat mixture to the yeast mixture. Sprinkle in flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and stretchy. (Add small amounts of flour only if needed.)
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled. ✨
- Shape: Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, until golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool + slice: Let cool at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or honey. 🍯🍞
💡 Pro Tips
- Make it extra cozy: Add ½ cup raisins or chopped apples to the dough.
- For a heartier texture: Replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat flour.
- Storage: Keeps 3–4 days at room temperature or freezes beautifully for 2 months.
- Best serving ideas: Toast and top with honey butter, almond butter, or cinnamon sugar.