Ingredients
Dough
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
Swirl Filling
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently, then let it rest for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon until well combined to create the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Shape Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12 x 8 inches. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough.
- Form Loaf: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal and tuck the ends underneath. Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan loosely and allow the dough to rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For best flavor, toast slices and spread with butter.
Notes
- Use warm milk, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Ensure the dough doubles in size during rising for a fluffy texture.
- For a shiny crust, brush the top with melted butter after baking.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- To enhance the cinnamon flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
