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Amish Cinnamon Bread

Amish Cinnamon Bread

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a tender, soft bread featuring sweet cinnamon sugar swirls that caramelize to perfection. Ideal for breakfast, a cozy snack, or dessert, this bread offers a moist texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen with comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup melted butter

Cinnamon Swirl

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons small pieces of butter (for dotting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by warming the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and melting the butter. In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast with a teaspoon of granulated sugar in the warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, then knead the ingredients together until a soft, elastic dough forms, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-6 minutes in a stand mixer.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
  3. Create the Cinnamon Swirl: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 12×16 inches. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter to create pockets of richness during baking.
  4. Shape and Second Rise: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seams shut to seal. Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover again and let rise a second time for about 45 minutes until the dough puffs and fills the pan.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

  • Use warm, not hot, milk and butter to protect the yeast’s activity and ensure a perfect rise.
  • Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic to develop gluten for a soft texture.
  • Spread the cinnamon sugar evenly to ensure every slice has delicious swirls.
  • Do not skip the second rise, as it is essential for a light and airy bread.
  • Use fresh active dry yeast with a good expiry date for reliable rising.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
  • To save time, instant yeast can be used with slight liquid adjustments and no proofing required.
  • Use a serrated bread knife and saw gently when slicing to preserve the swirl pattern and avoid squishing the bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: Amish cinnamon bread, cinnamon swirl bread, sweet bread, homemade bread, breakfast bread, soft bread, cozy snack, cinnamon sugar bread