Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Bread

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cooking Notes
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Bread is a twist on the classic cinnamon swirl bread, adding just a touch of heat to balance the sweetness. The bread is tender and soft, with a delicious, spiced cinnamon-sugar swirl that has a hint of cayenne pepper to add complexity and warmth. It’s perfect toasted with butter or just sliced and enjoyed as is!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spice level)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

• Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
• Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-6 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 4-5 minutes on medium speed.
• First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

• In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until smooth. If using nuts, fold them into the mixture.

3. Shape the Dough

• Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 9×18 inches.
• Add the Filling: Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leakage when rolling.
• Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the short end, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.

4. Second Rise

• Place the rolled dough, seam side down, into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

5. Bake

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Egg Wash and Topping: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the top of the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

6. Cool and Serve

• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Cooking Notes

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the cayenne to your preference. A little goes a long way, and it provides a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the bread without being overwhelming.

Variations

• Chocolate Cinnamon Bread: Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for an extra treat.
• Raisin Cinnamon Bread: Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the filling for a more traditional cinnamon swirl bread.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough and let it do the first rise overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping, filling, and baking.

How do I store Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm it slightly before serving.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in the same amount as active dry yeast. There is no need to activate instant yeast in warm milk; just add it directly to the dry ingredients.

What can I serve with Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Bread?

This bread is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It makes an excellent breakfast or snack, and it’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but note that the texture may vary from the original. Additional xanthan gum may also be needed for structure.

Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Bread is a unique twist on classic cinnamon bread, combining sweet cinnamon with a hint of heat from cayenne pepper. The result is a beautifully spiced, tender loaf that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or with a bit of butter, this bread is sure to bring warmth and deliciousness to your table.

Try this recipe for a sweet and slightly spicy treat, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Let me know if you need more variations or additional tips for this recipe