cinnamon bread

Here’s a delightful recipe for Cinnamon Bread! This sweet, aromatic bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It’s soft, fluffy, and filled with a delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl.

Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F to 115°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour (more for dusting)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   • Add the melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
   • Gradually add 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a little at a time, until it’s manageable.

2. Knead the Dough:

   • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

3. First Rise:

   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

5. Shape the Bread:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
   • Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

6. Roll and Cut:

   • Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
   • Cut the log into 12 equal pieces (about 1-1.5 inches thick).

7. Second Rise:

   • Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Place the cinnamon rolls cut side up in the pan, arranging them snugly.
   • Cover the pan with a cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they puff up.

8. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

9. Cool and Glaze:

   • Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • If desired, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make the glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bread.

10. Serve:

    • Slice and enjoy your delicious cinnamon bread warm or at room temperature!

Tips:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Variations: You can experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist.

Enjoy your Cinnamon Bread! It’s a comforting and delightful treat that’s sure to please everyone!