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:
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- 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.
- 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:
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Set aside the softened butter to be used for spreading over the dough.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle about 9x18 inches, keeping the edges as even as possible.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough.
4. Shape the Loaf:
- Starting from one of the shorter ends, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seams to seal.
- Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- 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:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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.
- Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
6. Cool and Serve:
- 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.
- 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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