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Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Introduction: There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home. This Cinnamon Swirl Bread recipe is a perfect treat to make when you want to impress family, friends, or neighbors. Its sweet, spiced fragrance and soft, tender crumb will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast or bringing it as a gift to share, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
With a perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar swirled into a soft, fluffy dough, this recipe combines the warm comfort of homemade bread with a hint of indulgence. Trust me, you’ll want to have these ingredients on hand all the time.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk (or as needed for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough on low speed.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- While the dough rises, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, and then roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16 x 12 inches.
- Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
3. Form the Loaf:
- Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams together to seal it.
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and carefully place the dough seam-side down into the pan.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.
4. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
- While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze.
- Once the bread has cooled to room temperature, drizzle the glaze over the top of the loaf.
History:
Cinnamon bread, often known as cinnamon swirl bread, has roots in European baking traditions, particularly in Scandinavian and German communities, where sweet breads were commonly enjoyed. The yeast bread with cinnamon filling has been passed down through generations, often served for breakfast or as a sweet treat with coffee.
In many cultures, cinnamon is considered a spice of warmth and comfort, evoking memories of home-baked treats. Cinnamon rolls, another popular variation, are also based on the same concept: soft, buttery dough paired with the warming spice of cinnamon and sugar. What makes cinnamon swirl bread stand out is its easy-to-slice nature and ability to pair with a variety of toppings, from butter to jam to cream cheese.
Formation:
The bread is formed by rolling a dough that’s been enriched with sugar and butter. Once baked, the sweet cinnamon filling forms a beautiful spiral throughout the loaf. The glaze is a simple finishing touch that adds a sweet, glossy sheen to the bread, making it look as good as it tastes.
While the cinnamon swirl bread might take some time to rise, the effort is totally worth it. The gentle process of allowing the dough to rest and rise ensures a light, airy loaf with a rich flavor that simply cannot be rushed.
Conclusion:
Homemade cinnamon swirl bread is a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of baking, and it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or as a special breakfast treat the next day, this bread’s soft, buttery texture and sweet cinnamon flavor will leave everyone asking for more. Keep the ingredients stocked in your pantry and you’ll always have the perfect homemade gift for neighbors or a cozy treat for your family.
Lovers of Cinnamon Swirl Bread:
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls or sweet brioche bread, you’ll fall in love with this cinnamon swirl bread. Its rich texture, paired with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness, will win over any bread lover. Plus, there’s something magical about watching that cinnamon swirl form as the dough rises and bakes into a golden masterpiece.
Methods to Customize the Recipe:
- Add-ins: Feel free to add raisins, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), or even chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a fun twist.
- Dough Variations: You can swap out a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier texture.
- Glaze Options: If you prefer a less sweet finish, skip the glaze and enjoy the bread as-is, or sprinkle the top with coarse sugar before baking for a crunchy, sweet top.
Enjoy your slice of heaven!
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