Traditional Mexican Sweet Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, fluffy Mexican sweet bread rolls brushed with a cinnamon sugar glaze, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, (1 packet) active dry yeast into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 Mexican cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp granulated sugar in 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F). Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon.
  3. Step 3: Add the yeast mixture, 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 2 large eggs to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and shape into 12 equal rolls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Step 7: While the rolls bake, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk to make a glaze.
  8. Step 8: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush with the cinnamon sugar glaze. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Mexican Sweet Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Traditional Mexican Sweet Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Mexican Sweet Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Traditional Mexican Sweet Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Traditional Mexican Sweet Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze?

Mexican desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.