Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon bread but short on time? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe harnesses the power of your bread machine to create a deliciously spiced, perfectly textured loaf with minimal effort. This is one of those easy recipes that even beginner bakers can master, resulting in a truly impressive homemade treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. It's a quick dinner side too, if you're looking for healthy meals that are also incredibly tasty!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Machine:
Grease your bread machine pan lightly with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your beautiful loaf.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients:
Add the warm water, sugar, salt, softened butter, and egg to your bread machine pan in the order recommended by your machine's instruction manual. Most machines have a specific order for best results.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add this dry mixture to the bread machine pan. If using nuts, add them now too.
Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
Step 5: Begin the Baking Process:
Select the “dough” cycle on your bread machine. Once the dough cycle is complete, carefully remove the dough from the pan.
Step 6: Incorporate the Filling:
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll the dough into a 12x8 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the dough. Tightly roll the dough up from the long side into a log.
Step 7: Shape and Bake:
Place the rolled dough into the greased bread machine pan. Select the "bake" cycle on your bread machine. Baking times vary depending on your machine, so refer to your manual for the correct settings.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy:
Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Bread:
- Use fresh yeast: This ensures your bread rises properly.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
- Let the bread cool completely: This allows the crumb to set and prevents a soggy loaf.
- Experiment with different nuts and spices: Try adding raisins, cranberries, or other spices like cardamom or allspice for unique flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Cranberry Cinnamon Bread: Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries to the dry ingredients.
- Apple Cinnamon Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped apples to the dry ingredients.
- Glazed Cinnamon Bread: Brush the cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Protein: 5-7g
Please note that nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This delicious cinnamon bread is the perfect example of how simple and satisfying homemade cooking can be. Enjoy this easy recipe and all the delicious possibilities it offers! It's one of the best recipes for a cozy night in or a delightful addition to any gathering. So, fire up your bread machine and get baking!