If you're craving something sweet with a cinnamon kick, this Cinnamon Swirl Loaf is your go-to recipe. It's a delightful blend of soft, buttery bread with a luscious cinnamon-sugar swirl. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack!
The base of the loaf is made from all-purpose flour, which provides structure and a soft crumb. Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough. We use active dry yeast to help the loaf rise beautifully, while a touch of salt balances the flavors. The combination of milk, water, and unsalted butter creates a rich and tender dough. An egg adds richness and helps bind everything together. For the filling, brown sugar and ground cinnamon create that iconic swirl. The melted butter ensures the filling stays moist and flavorful. Finally, a simple icing made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract adds a lovely finishing touch.
This loaf is a treat on its own, but it's also delightful with a spread of cream cheese or butter. For a decadent breakfast, serve it with a side of scrambled eggs and bacon. It also makes for a lovely gift wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon!
Start by combining the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk, water, and softened butter until it's warm but not hot. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Crack in the egg and mix until a soft dough forms. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, now's the time to use it. Knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. If you're doing it by hand, think of it as a mini workout!
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place. You're looking for the dough to double in size, which should take about an hour. This is the perfect time to prep your filling. Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set it aside.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Brush the surface generously with melted butter, then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top. Starting from the short end, roll the dough up tightly, pinching the seams to seal.
Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until it's golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
After baking, let the loaf cool slightly before removing it from the pan. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled loaf for a sweet finish.
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