Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Bread Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Heaven
#### Soft Cinnamon Bread RecipeIf you're looking for a delightful treat that fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma, then you need to try this **soft c……
#### Soft Cinnamon Bread Recipe
If you're looking for a delightful treat that fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma, then you need to try this **soft cinnamon bread recipe**. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack, and it's surprisingly easy to make. With its soft, fluffy texture and the sweet, spicy flavor of cinnamon, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.
#### Ingredients
To create this delectable bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- Optional: icing for drizzling
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Dough**: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Next, add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. **Knead the Dough**: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.
3. **First Rise**: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
4. **Prepare the Filling**: While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This will be the filling for your bread.
5. **Shape the Bread**: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
6. **Roll and Slice**: Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal and then slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
7. **Second Rise**: Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
8. **Bake**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil.
9. **Cool and Serve**: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. You can drizzle icing over the top once it's completely cooled for an extra touch of sweetness.
#### Tips for the Perfect Soft Cinnamon Bread
- **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If you’re unsure, you can proof it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the dough.
- **Kneading**: Proper kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the bread its soft texture. Don’t rush this step!
- **Rising Time**: The rising times can vary based on the temperature of your kitchen. If it’s too cold, the dough may take longer to rise.
- **Storage**: This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. You can also freeze slices for a quick treat later on.
#### Conclusion
This **soft cinnamon bread recipe** is not only simple to follow, but it also yields a mouthwatering result that will impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed plain or with a drizzle of icing, this bread is the perfect addition to any meal or occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and get baking—you won't regret it!