Making a perfect cinnamon swirl bread involves a few key steps to ensure the bread is soft, fluffy, and filled with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make a beautiful cinnamon swirl bread:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine, and then knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough on medium speed.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside. In another bowl, melt the butter that you will use for the swirl filling.
4. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough.
5. Create the Swirl:
Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal and tuck the ends underneath. You should have a log of dough with cinnamon filling running through it.
6. Place the Dough in the Pan:
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and place the rolled dough inside. If you want a more decorative swirl, you can slice the dough log lengthwise and twist the two halves together before placing it in the pan.
Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen to the top of the pan.
7. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you bake the bread.
8. Bake the Cinnamon Swirl Bread:
Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash to give it a golden, shiny finish. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Bread:
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If the yeast doesn’t foam in the warm milk, it may be expired.
- Flour Amount: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but if it’s too sticky to handle, add a little more flour.
- Swirl Placement: Be careful not to overfill with cinnamon sugar. A generous amount gives great flavor, but too much can make it hard to seal the dough and create a clean swirl.
- Allow the Dough to Rise Fully: Don’t rush the rising process, as it ensures the bread is light and fluffy.
Serving:
Slice the bread once it has cooled slightly, and enjoy it as is or toasted with a bit of butter. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack.
By following these steps, you’ll have a beautifully swirled, soft cinnamon bread with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Enjoy the aroma that fills your home while baking, and most importantly, savor each bite of this homemade treat.
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