Soft Homemade Cinnamon Bread
For the Top
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, optional
- A small pinch of cinnamon
Optional Simple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl. The milk should be warm but not hot. Add the yeast and a teaspoon of the granulated sugar.
Stir gently and allow the mixture to stand for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. If the yeast is active, a light layer of foam should begin forming on the surface.
Add the remaining sugar and salt.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the milk mixture.
Whisk until everything is well combined.
Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it so that it does not become too hot for the yeast or egg.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Add approximately 2 1/2 cups of the flour and mix with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula.
Continue adding the remaining flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but it should not be extremely sticky. Avoid adding too much flour because excessive flour can make the finished bread dense instead of soft.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface.
Knead for approximately 8 to 10 minutes by hand, or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes.
The dough should become smooth, elastic, and soft.
Place it in a lightly greased bowl and turn it once so the surface is lightly coated with oil or butter.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the covered dough in a warm, draft-free location.
Allow it to rise for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
The exact rising time depends on the temperature of your kitchen.
