Cinnamon bread is a delightful and aromatic baked treat that combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon with the soft, fluffy texture of fresh bread. The sweet aroma that fills your kitchen as this bread bakes is nothing short of irresistible. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast pastry, an afternoon snack, or a special treat for the holidays, cinnamon bread offers the perfect balance of flavors and a tender crumb that will have your taste buds dancing. This simple yet flavorful recipe is easy to make and promises to deliver a cozy, indulgent experience with every slice.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk and add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, the remaining granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center.
- Add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the well in the flour mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, a little at a time, and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a large bowl with butter or cooking spray. Place the dough in the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl to make the filling.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangular shape, approximately 12×8 inches.
- Spread a thin layer of melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture evenly over the surface.
- Starting at one long edge of the dough, carefully roll it up into a tight log shape. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the rolled dough seam-side down into the prepared loaf pan. Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen to the top of the pan.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cinnamon bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve warm, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy your freshly baked, mouthwatering cinnamon bread!
This cinnamon bread recipe offers a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy cinnamon flavor, and tender, soft bread that melts in your mouth. The delightful combination of ingredients results in a loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it to enjoy with a cup of coffee or to share with family and friends, this cinnamon bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!