Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Here’s a delightful recipe for cinnamon swirl bread that’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!

Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Filling:

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

For the Glaze (optional):

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

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
• Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until well combined.

4. Shape the Bread:

• After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
• Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Roll and Place in Pan:

• Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal. Place the rolled dough seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

6. Second Rise:

• Cover the loaf with a clean cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.

7. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

8. Bake:

• Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. It should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Cool:

• Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Glaze (Optional):

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread if desired.

Enjoy!

This cinnamon swirl bread is soft, sweet, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. It’s perfect for breakfast, toasting, or enjoying with a cup of coffee!