Description
Hearty pioneer woman cinnamon bread delivers sweet, warm comfort with minimal effort. Home bakers can master this simple recipe and enjoy delightful slices alongside coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups (437.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole)
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps (28 g) softened butter
- ⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar (for dough)
- ⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 ½ tsps active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsps cinnamon
- 1 large egg + 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Gently warm butter and milk to lukewarm. Sprinkle yeast over the liquid and let bloom until foamy and fragrant.
- Dough Preparation: Blend sugar and eggs in a stand mixer. Incorporate activated yeast mixture, then gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Kneading Process: Use dough hook to knead for 10-12 minutes, creating an elastic texture that pulls away from the bowl’s sides. Adjust flour if needed.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until volume doubles, about 2 hours.
- Filling and Shaping: Roll dough into a thin rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly, then dust with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll tightly from the longer edge to create a compact log.
- Second Rise: Place rolled dough seam-side down in a greased loaf pan. Cover and allow to rise for an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush loaf with egg wash, creating a glossy finish.
- Final Baking: Bake for 40-45 minutes, rotating midway for even browning. Bread is done when golden-brown and produces a hollow sound when tapped. Shield with foil if top browns too quickly.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure milk and butter are exactly lukewarm (115°F) for perfect yeast bloom, which guarantees soft, fluffy bread texture.
- Dough Consistency Check: Watch for elastic dough that smoothly pulls away from mixer bowl; add flour sparingly if too sticky to prevent dense bread.
- Rising Environment Matters: Choose a draft-free, warm spot like near a pilot light or inside a turned-off oven to help dough rise properly and develop rich flavor.
- Golden Crust Protection: Monitor bread during baking and use aluminum foil tent if top browns too quickly, ensuring even cooking without burning.
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg