Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 1/2-4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (to brush on top after baking)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the DoughAdd remaining sugar, butter, egg, salt, and 3 ½ cups of flour. Stir or mix with a dough hook until a soft dough forms. Add more flour as needed until the dough pulls from the sides.
3. KneadKnead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First RisePlace dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Shape the BreadPunch down dough and roll into a 9×15-inch rectangle. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Spread evenly across the dough.
Roll tightly from the short side into a log and pinch the seam. Place into a greased loaf pan.
6. Second RiseCover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
7. BakeBake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, covering loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
8. Finish
Brush warm loaf with butter and dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Cool before slicing.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Warm milk is crucial—too hot can kill the yeast, too cold slows the rise.
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Roll tightly for the clearest cinnamon swirl.
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If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.
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Cool completely before slicing for clean, even swirls.
✨ Variations
🎄 Holiday Cranberry Swirl
Add ½ cup finely chopped dried cranberries to the cinnamon mixture.
🍫 Chocolate Cinnamon Twist
Add ¼ cup mini chocolate chips to the filling.
🍁 Maple Glaze Finish
Whisk ½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp maple syrup + splash of milk. Drizzle over warm bread.
🍏 Cinnamon-Apple Version
Add ½ cup finely diced apples sautéed in butter and cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes - Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g