Title: Simple and Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe
## Introduction
There’s something warm and comforting about homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through your house is unbeatable and the taste of the fluffy, sweet bread is unmatched. This recipe will guide you to create your own delightful cinnamon swirl bread right from the comfort of your kitchen.
## Why Make This Recipe
Baking your own Cinnamon Swirl Bread gives you control over the ingredients and the joy of creating something deliciously warm and comforting. Plus, the smell of cinnamon and freshly baked bread is sure to make your home feel even cozier.
## How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread
## Ingredients
For the Dough:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
– 1 tsp salt
– 3/4 cup milk
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 egg
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 2 tbsp softened butter
For the Glaze (optional):
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1-2 tbsp milk
## Directions
1. Prepare the Dough: In a small saucepan, gently heat milk, water, and butter until warm (not hot). Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the warm milk mixture and the egg; mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
2. Let the dough rise covered in a greased bowl at a warm place for approximately 1-1.5 hours.
3. Punch down the dough and roll out a rectangle with dimensions of about 18×9 inches. Spread softened butter over the surface, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over evenly.
4. Roll your dough into a tight log from the short side and place it in a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise until it doubles in size, this could take about 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dough for about 30-40 minutes until it turns golden brown. It should sound hollow when tapped.
6. If you prefer a glaze on your bread, mix powdered sugar and milk to your desired consistency and drizzle it over the warm bread.
## How To Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Slice and serve this delightful Cinnamon Swirl Bread either cold or warm with a bit of butter or cream cheese. It could also be served as an accompaniment to your tea or coffee for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
## How To Store Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Store any leftover Cinnamon Swirl Bread in a bread box at room temperature. It can be kept for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it and defrost in a toaster when needed.
## Tips to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bread
– Ensure that your yeast is fresh for the dough to rise correctly.
– Do not overheat the milk mixture, it should be warm, not hot.
– During baking, if you notice the bread browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.
– Be patient and let the bread cool before slicing to prevent squishing it.
## Variation (if any)
– Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecan to the sugar-cinnamon filling.
– Make a cream cheese glaze instead of a simple sugar glaze for a richer flavor.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?**
Yes, but it might result in a denser bread.
2. **Can I freeze the Cinnamon Swirl Bread?**
Absolutely, freeze the slices individually on a baking sheet and then store them in a zip-top bag. Toast to defrost when needed.
3. **Why didn’t my dough rise?**
It could be due to expired yeast or the milk mixture was too hot causing the yeast to die.