CINNAMON ROLL BRAIDED BREAD

PREP TIME: 2 HRS 15 MINS | COOK TIME: 25 MINS | TOTAL TIME: 2 HRS 40 MINS | SERVES: 1 large loaf

This Cinnamon Roll Braided Bread was a hit on Christmas! The beautiful golden brown outer crust and impressive fluffy interior of this bread decorated with cinnamon and sugar are to die for!

INGREDIENTS

Dough:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2¼ tsp yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 c. whole milk, slightly warmed
• 2 Eggs
• 4 c. flour
• ½ tsp vanilla
• ¼ c. sugar
• ½ c. warm water
• 1 egg for egg wash (to brush over the top of the braid before baking)
• ½ tsp salt

Filling:

• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• ¼ c. unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ c. brown sugar
• ¼ c. sugar

Glaze:

• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• 1¼ c. powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS :

Dough:

Step 1: Combine the warm water with 1 tbsp sugar in a large mixing bowl. On top, sprinkle the yeast and let it activate for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 2: To the activated yeast, add the milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well until blended.

Step 3: Whisk the flour, ¼ cup sugar, and salt with the dough hook, then knead for about 6 to 8 minutes. Or use your hands instead.

Step 4: In a large, greased bowl, place the dough, cover, and allow it to rise for an hour in a warm area.

Step 5: Punch the dough down after an hour and let it rise for another 10 minutes.

Filling and Braid:

Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon until mixed.

Step 7: Roll the dough out into a large rectangle (about 12 x 14 inches) on a floured surface, then slice into 3 equal pieces.

Step 8: With the melted butter, brush the top of each portion, then sprinkle with the filling mixture.

Step 9: Into a long cylinder, tightly roll each section. Then, gently cut a long line in each cylinder using a sharp knife.

Step 10: On a lined baking sheet, place 3 sections, pressing them together at the top, then breading it carefully. Tent and allow it to rise for about 30 minutes.

Step 11: Prepare the oven and preheat it to 375 degrees toward the end of the 30 minutes.

Step 12: With the egg wash, brush the top of the bread. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes until the braided puff up and golden brown. When done, remove from the oven and let the bread cool for a little.

Glaze:

Step 13: Whisk the glaze ingredients until smooth. Feel free to modify the powdered sugar/milk proportions to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 14: Over the cooled bread, drizzle the glaze. Slice the bread and serve. Enjoy!