Cinnamon bread is one of those delightful recipes that warms not just the stomach but also the heart. The aroma of freshly baked bread, spiraled with sweet cinnamon sugar, wafts through your home, inviting everyone to gather around. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Every bite provides a comforting embrace with its soft texture and sweet, spiced flavor. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises a rewarding experience with every slice.
Why We Love This Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Cinnamon bread captures the essence of home baking. The combination of its hearty texture and sweet, fragrant flavors makes it a favorite among friends and family. First off, the base dough is simple and very forgiving, making it easy to create even for beginners. The method of rolling and layering infuses the bread with delicious cinnamon-sugar goodness, ensuring each bite offers a delightful surprise. Furthermore, it is highly versatile—you can enjoy it as is or pair it with your favorite spreads, like butter or cream cheese. The joy of creating this delightful bread is only matched by the happiness it brings to those who enjoy it.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Bread
To embark on this delicious journey, you’ll first need the right ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll require to whip up your own cinnamon bread:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 2/3 cups hot water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
- 1 2/3 cups cold water
- 1 tablespoon rapid rise instant yeast
- 7 1/2 – 8 cups all-purpose flour
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
How to Make Cinnamon Bread Directions
Creating your cinnamon bread from scratch is both satisfying and fun. Let’s walk through the steps to ensure you achieve that perfectly fluffy and flavorful loaf.
- Create the Dough: Begin by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the packed light brown sugar, salt, hot water, and softened butter. Stir everything together until the brown sugar dissolves completely.
- Activate the Yeast: After stirring the warm mixture, add in the cold water. Then, sprinkle the instant yeast on top of this mix, and let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you see bubbles forming on the surface.
- Add the Flour: Now, begin adding the all-purpose flour one cup at a time. You’ll continue until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Dough: Dust a clean working surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for a few minutes—about 5 to 10—until it’s smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Loaf Pans: While the dough is rising, grease two loaf pans to prepare them for the dough.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour for the cinnamon-sugar filling. This will be used to create that iconic spiral within your bread.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for your egg wash. This will give your bread a lovely golden finish.
- Shape the Loaves: When your dough has fluffed up, punch it down gently to remove the air. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a rectangle, brush with the egg wash, and generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it. Roll each rectangle tightly to form a log.
- Second Rise: Place the rolled dough into the prepared loaf pans. Let it rise again for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Bread: Once the dough has risen, place the pans in the oven. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with Butter: When you take the loaves out of the oven, brush them with butter while they’re still warm. This adds flavor and helps to keep the crust soft.
- Cool and Slice: Once cooled, slice into the loaves and enjoy the fluffy, cinnamon-filled goodness!
How to Serve Cinnamon Bread
When it comes to serving your cinnamon bread, you have endless options. You can enjoy it straight out of the loaf, warm and fresh. Slather it with a layer of softened butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat. For those who prefer a little more sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of the cinnamon bread.
Cinnamon bread also makes a wonderful base for a sweet breakfast. Consider toasting slices and topping them with fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas. You can even add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish. If you’re feeling daring, serve it alongside a warm beverage, like coffee or tea, to create a cozy atmosphere.
Expert Tips: Cinnamon Bread
Creating the perfect cinnamon bread can be quite rewarding, but here are some expert tips to elevate your baking game:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your yeast is fresh. Old yeast can result in a flat loaf. To test, combine yeast with a little warm water and sugar. If it bubbles after 10 minutes, you’re good to go!
- Kneading is Key: Don’t rush the kneading stage. This step is vital for developing the gluten in the dough, which will result in a soft and airy bread.
- Create a Warm Environment: If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the covered dough in the oven (turned off) with the light on. The warmth will help speed up the rising process.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Ratio: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar in the filling based on your preference. If you love that spice flavor, don’t hesitate to increase the cinnamon!
- Check for Doneness: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your bread towards the end of the baking time. You want a golden-brown color and a hollow sound when you tap the bottom of the loaf.
How to Store Cinnamon Bread
To keep your cinnamon bread fresh for days to come, follow these simple storage tips:
- Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure your bread has cooled completely to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- Wrap and Store: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
- Room Temperature or Freezing: Store at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature until soft.
Variations of Cinnamon Bread
This classic cinnamon bread can be customized in many delightful ways. Here are a few variations to consider for your next baking adventure:
- Nutty Cinnamon Bread: Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the cinnamon-sugar layer for added crunch and richness.
- Chocolate Swirl Cinnamon Bread: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey twist. You can also layer in chocolate chips for an even sweeter experience.
- Fruit-Infused Bread: Consider adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to your filling. They provide a chewy texture and complement the spice nicely.
- Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Bread: During the fall, add pumpkin puree and a blend of warming spices to create a delicious seasonal loaf.
- Frosted Cinnamon Bread: For a bakery-inspired treat, top your slices with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This adds an extra touch of sweetness that can elevate your bread even further.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnamon Bread
What makes cinnamon bread so appealing?
Cinnamon bread combines the comfort of homemade bread with the delightful flavor of cinnamon sugar, creating a warm and inviting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Keep in mind that adding too much whole wheat flour may alter the texture, so it’s best to start small.
How can I make my cinnamon bread rise better?
To enhance rising, ensure your yeast is fresh and create a warm environment for the dough to proof.
What can I do with leftover cinnamon bread?
Leftover bread can be toasted and used for French toast, or simply enjoyed with a spread. You can also cube it to make bread pudding.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Indeed! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape it into loaves, and freeze them before the second rise. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw and let rise before baking as per the instructions.
Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 2/3 cups hot water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
- 1 2/3 cups cold water
- 1 tablespoon rapid rise instant yeast
- 7 1/2 – 8 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Egg Wash
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Create the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar, salt, hot water, and softened butter. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves completely.
Activate the Yeast
- Add the cold water and sprinkle the instant yeast on top. Let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes until bubbles form.
Add the Flour
- Add the all-purpose flour one cup at a time until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead the Dough
- Dust a clean working surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Knead for 5 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Loaf Pans
- Grease two loaf pans to prepare for the dough.
Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour for the cinnamon-sugar filling.
Prepare the Egg Wash
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
Shape the Loaves
- When the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide into two pieces, roll each into a rectangle, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling tightly.
Second Rise
- Place the rolled dough into the prepared pans and let rise for about 20 minutes.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Bread
- Once risen, place the pans in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown.
Brush with Butter
- Brush with butter while the loaves are still warm.
Cool and Slice
- Once cooled, slice into the loaves and enjoy.
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