Imagine walking into your kitchen and being enveloped by the warm, intoxicating scent of freshly baked cinnamon bread - a smell so irresistible that it will make your family rush to the kitchen in anticipation. This Cinnamon Swirl French Bread isn't just a recipe; it's a magical experience that turns ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary journey. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe promises to deliver a golden, swirled masterpiece that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the melted butter and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches in size.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal it and tuck the ends under to form a loaf shape.
- Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover it again with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edges of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising for the second time.
- Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Swirl French Bread warm or toasted, optionally with butter or cream cheese spread!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast to prevent killing the yeast cultures.
- Knead with Patience: Take your time kneading the dough to develop gluten, which gives your bread its perfect texture.
- Rising Environment Matters: Choose a warm, draft-free spot for dough rising, like near a preheating oven or in a slightly warm oven.
- Don't Rush the Swirl: When rolling the dough, roll tightly and evenly to create beautiful, consistent cinnamon layers.
- Check Doneness: A golden-brown top and a hollow sound when tapping the bottom are perfect indicators of a fully baked loaf.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool completely to help it set and make slicing easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
