Baking with Comfort: How to Make Delicious Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Baking with Comfort: How to Make Delicious Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

There’s something about the aroma of fresh bread baking in the oven that fills a home with warmth and comfort, especially when that bread is laced with sweet, cinnamon-sugar swirls. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Bread will bring a touch of sweetness to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water

Optional Toppings:

  • Powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2-3 tbsp milk)
  • Extra cinnamon sugar for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a small bowl, heat the milk and water together until warm (about 110°F). Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, showing that the yeast is active.
  2. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
  3. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes (either by hand or with a dough hook) until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
  2. Set aside the softened butter to be used for spreading over the dough.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  2. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 9x18 inches, keeping the edges as even as possible.
  3. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough.

4. Shape the Loaf:

  1. Starting from one of the shorter ends, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seams to seal.
  2. Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  3. Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until it’s puffed up.

5. Bake the Bread:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash for a glossy finish.
  3. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  4. If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

6. Cool and Serve:

  1. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. For an optional extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the bread with a powdered sugar glaze or sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Bread:

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: For a soft and tender dough, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before adding them to the dough.
  • Swirl Control: If you want defined cinnamon swirls in your bread, roll the dough as tightly as possible. This will prevent large gaps from forming during baking.
  • Storage: Cinnamon swirl bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It also freezes well for up to a month—just thaw and warm up slices in the toaster!

Ways to Enjoy Cinnamon Swirl Bread:

  • Toasted with Butter: One of the simplest ways to enjoy a slice of cinnamon swirl bread is to toast it and spread a little butter on top.
  • French Toast: This bread makes the perfect base for a decadent French toast. Dip thick slices in an egg mixture, then cook in a skillet until golden brown.
  • Breakfast Delight: Pair it with your morning coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day.
  • Dessert Twist: Top a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a simple yet satisfying dessert.

Whether you’re a fan of sweet breakfasts or just need a comforting treat, this Cinnamon Swirl Bread will bring joy to your kitchen. Like Leah’s culinary creations in “Sweet on You,” it’s a testament to the magic that happens when you combine simple ingredients with a little bit of love.

Happy baking!

 

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