Are you craving that irresistible, warm-from-the-oven cinnamon bread you find at Costco, but without the trip to the warehouse? Then you're in the right place! This recipe recreates that iconic Costco cinnamon bread experience, delivering all the gooey, spiced goodness you love, right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think, making it perfect for beginner bakers and a delightful treat for experienced ones. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet delicious recipe – perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, leading to a light and fluffy bread.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Assemble and Rise
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Tightly roll the dough up from the long side, like a jelly roll. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices. Arrange the slices, cut-side up, in the prepared pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool slightly in the pan before serving.
Tips for the Best Costco Cinnamon Bread:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use good quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your bread will taste.
- Let the dough rise properly: Proper rising is crucial for a light and fluffy texture.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar in the filling to your preference.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the cinnamon filling.
- Use different spices: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice.
- Make it a loaf: Instead of a 9x13 inch pan, use a loaf pan for a different shape.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 5-7g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Costco-style cinnamon bread! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe is a great addition to your collection of healthy meals and best recipes. Share this recipe with your friends and family – let's spread the joy of baking!