This recipe yields a soft, fluffy bread with a delicious cinnamon-sugar filling.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Combine Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll and Fill: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a 12×15-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll: Starting from a long side, tightly roll the dough up jelly-roll style.
- Slice: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange: Place the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a touch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling.
- Glaze the cooled bread with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Make it a braided loaf: Divide the rolled dough in half lengthwise, then braid the two halves together before cutting and arranging.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread!