ADVERTISEMENT
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the dough in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, make the cinnamon filling by mixing together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, melt the butter for the filling. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently punch it down to release any air bubbles.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 x 16 inches in size. Brush the melted butter over the entire surface of the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
Step 6: Shape the Bread
Carefully roll the dough up from the long edge into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal the bread and prevent the filling from spilling out. Once rolled, cut the dough into two equal pieces or create one large loaf, depending on your preference. You can also place the dough in a greased loaf pan for an easy, traditional shape.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan (if you’re making one loaf) or arrange the pieces in a round cake pan. Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up and is almost doubled in size.
Step 8: Bake the Cinnamon Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
Step 9: Add the Topping (Optional)
For a bit of extra sweetness and cinnamon flavor, mix together 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. After the bread is done baking, immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the hot bread for a delightful finish.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Allow the cinnamon bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy while it’s still warm for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Irresistibly Sweet and Spicy: The rich, cinnamon-sugar swirl inside the soft, fluffy bread creates the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The combination of the cinnamon filling and the lightly spiced dough makes this bread utterly irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it at breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, this cinnamon bread is a versatile and crowd-pleasing treat. It’s perfect for holiday mornings, family gatherings, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Homemade Goodness: Unlike store-bought cinnamon rolls or breads, this homemade version is fresh, with no preservatives or artificial flavors. The process of making it from scratch makes the result all the more rewarding.
- Great for Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, cinnamon bread makes a great snack or even a delicious breakfast the next day, toasted and spread with butter or cream cheese.
Tips and Variations
- Add Nuts or Raisins: For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough.
- Make Mini Loafs: If you prefer smaller portions, you can divide the dough into mini loaf pans and bake individual loaves for a fun twist.
- Glaze It: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for a sweet finish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk to make this recipe dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Bread Recipe is a warm, comforting treat that brings together the perfect combination of sweetness and spice. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day with a little butter, each slice is bound to delight. Easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, this cinnamon bread is destined to become a family favorite. So go ahead, bake a loaf (or two), and enjoy the cozy, delicious aroma filling your home.
ADVERTISEMENT