Embrace the warmth and comfort of this Sweet Cinnamon Braided Bread, a delightful creation perfect for cozy afternoons. This recipe combines a soft, tender dough with a rich filling of butter, sugar, and cinnamon, all twisted into an elegant braid that not only tastes delicious but also looks impressive. The addition of a cinnamon-sugar crust on top adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the bread's fluffy texture.
Why You'll Love This: The charm of this bread lies in its simplicity and the comforting flavors that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The dough is enriched with butter and egg yolks, making it exceptionally soft and flavorful. The process of braiding the dough not only infuses every bite with the cinnamon-sugar mixture but also makes this bread a beautiful centerpiece for any table. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a dessert, or a sweet snack throughout the day.
Perfect Occasion: This cinnamon bread is ideal for gatherings, especially during the cooler months or festive seasons like Christmas and Thanksgiving when cinnamon's warm notes are particularly appreciated. It's also perfect for weekend baking projects when you can savor the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. Serve it at brunch, tea time, or as a special treat to brighten up a regular day.
Decoration Tips:
- Before baking, generously sprinkle the top of the braid with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to create a flavorful crust.
- Serve slices of the bread on a rustic wooden board with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Garnish the serving plate with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few cinnamon sticks for a decorative touch that hints at the bread's flavors.
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 238 ml of milk
- 7 g of active dry yeast
- 70 g of sugar, plus a bit more for activation
- 384 g of all-purpose flour (type 55), plus up to 150 g extra if needed
- 4 egg yolks
- 90 g of room temperature butter
- Filling:
- Butter, as needed
- Sugar, as needed
- Ground cinnamon, as needed
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- Warm the milk to a lukewarm temperature—be careful not to boil. Dissolve the yeast and a spoonful of sugar in the milk. Let it stand for 15 minutes until frothy.
- Make the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, and egg yolks. Mix well.
- With the dough hook attachment, knead at a low to medium speed (level 2 or 3) for 20 minutes, or until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Add the softened butter and continue to mix for another 5 minutes.
- First Rise:
- Oil a large bowl and transfer the dough to it. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bread:
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of softened butter over it, then sprinkle generously with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up the dough tightly, then slice it down the middle lengthwise, leaving one end attached. Twist the two strands around each other to form a braid.
- Place the braid in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise for an additional 15 minutes.
- Bake:
- Sprinkle more sugar and cinnamon on top for a crunchy crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Enjoy this Sweet Cinnamon Braided Bread, a delightful treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with the aromatic flavors of cinnamon and sugar—a true pleasure for all senses!