The Ultimate Guide to Baking the Perfect Cinnamon Bread
Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm, spiced cinnamon bread? This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you achieve a loaf that's perfectly soft, moist, and bursting with flavor. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for success. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields one delicious loaf of cinnamon bread.
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Getting Started: Activating the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic! If the yeast doesn't foam, it's likely dead and you'll need a fresh packet.
Mixing the Dough:
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Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Beat well with a wooden spoon or electric mixer.
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Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don't add all the flour at once; you might end up with a dry dough.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a better texture.
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 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) is a great place for rising dough.
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Assembling and Shaping the Loaf:
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Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
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Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
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Tightly roll the dough up from the long side into a log.
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Pinch the seam to seal.
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Place the rolled dough in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Second Rise and Baking:
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Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Loaf:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh yeast is crucial for a successful rise.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
- Let the dough rise properly: Proper rising times are essential for a light and fluffy texture.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure the bread is fully baked.
- Let the bread cool completely: This allows the crumb to set and prevents a soggy loaf.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon bread warm with a pat of butter, a cup of coffee or tea, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's also delicious toasted and spread with cream cheese or used in bread pudding!
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Happy baking!