Prepare the Bread:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:

Mix the Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the swirl.

Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.

Create the Swirl: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter by making figure-8 patterns or zigzags through the batter.

Bake the Bread:

Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

Brush with Butter: Once the bread is cooled, brush the top with melted butter.

Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and sprinkle it over the buttered top for an extra cinnamon crunch.

Serve:

Slice the cinnamon bread and serve as a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea!