Heavenly Cinnamon Swirl Bread is your ticket to a cozy, homemade delight that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a bakery-quality bread that's perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack.
The foundation of this bread is all-purpose flour, which gives it structure and a soft crumb. A little granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps it rise by feeding the yeast. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Bread machine yeast works quickly to leaven the dough, while the combination of milk and water adds moisture for a tender loaf. Unsalted butter enriches the dough, adding a subtle richness. A large egg contributes to the bread's texture and stability.
The cinnamon swirl is created with brown sugar and ground cinnamon, providing that classic, comforting flavor we all love. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness, and raisins are an optional addition for those who enjoy a fruity bite.
This bread is heavenly on its own but can be elevated with a spread of cream cheese or a dollop of apple butter. For a special breakfast, try it as French toast with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Start by adding the milk, water, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the bread machine pan. It’s important to add liquids first to ensure even mixing. Next, add the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Make a small well in the flour and add the yeast to keep it from getting wet too soon.
Select the dough setting on your bread machine and press start. This setting will handle all the mixing and rising, giving you time to relax or prepare other meals. While your dough is doing its thing, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This will be your fragrant swirl.
Once the dough cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle, roughly 9x13 inches. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough, and add the raisins if you're using them. Starting from one short side, tightly roll the dough into a log and place it seam side down into a greased loaf pan.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which should take about 30-45 minutes. While waiting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once risen, bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes or until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.