Bake the Perfect Cinnamon Wreath Bread: A Festive Recipe for Holidays & Brunch
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, especially during the festive season. This **Cinnamon Wreath Bread** is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a comforting delight that embodies the spirit of togetherness. Twisted into an elegant wreath shape and bursting with warm, aromatic cinnamon spices, this bread is designed to be both stunning to behold and absolutely irresistible to taste. It’s the kind of homemade goodness that transforms any ordinary breakfast or brunch into a special occasion, making it perfect for Christmas, Easter, or simply a cozy weekend morning. Forget bland pastries; this bread offers a rich, soft texture and a delightful spice kick that will have everyone reaching for another slice.
Every holiday table deserves a showstopper, and while a beautiful setting and delicious food are essential, a dish that combines both visual appeal and incredible flavor is truly exceptional. That’s precisely what you get with this homemade cinnamon wreath bread. It’s a delightful sweet bread where tender dough is intertwined with a generous cinnamon-sugar swirl, baked to golden perfection. Beyond its impressive presentation, the taste is simply divine – a comforting blend of sweet, buttery goodness with that unmistakable warmth of cinnamon. It’s not just food; it’s an experience, an edible ornament that brings warmth and joy to your gathering.
Why This Cinnamon Wreath Bread Will Be Your New Favorite Holiday Treat
Imagine waking up to the enticing scent of cinnamon and freshly baked bread. This **Cinnamon Wreath Bread** delivers that dream with every bite. Its soft, pillowy texture and perfectly balanced sweetness make it an ideal accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea. Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas breakfast, a relaxed Sunday brunch, or looking for a special treat to share with loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s a versatile bread that manages to be both celebratory and comforting, embodying the best of homemade baking. The process of making it, from kneading the dough to twisting it into a beautiful wreath, is a joyful culinary journey, and the result is immensely rewarding.
What sets this particular cinnamon bread apart is not just its exquisite taste, but also its charming aesthetic. The twisted design, revealing layers of glistening cinnamon sugar, makes it an instant focal point on any table. It’s a delightful alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls, offering a more elegant presentation while maintaining all the beloved flavors. The subtle hint of spices beyond just cinnamon, woven into the dough itself, adds an extra layer of complexity and warmth, elevating it from a simple sweet bread to a truly gourmet experience. It’s a taste that speaks of home, comfort, and festive celebrations.
Crafting the Perfect Cinnamon Wreath Bread
Baking bread can sometimes feel intimidating, but this recipe for a **Cinnamon Wreath Bread** breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The journey from simple ingredients to a magnificent bread is incredibly satisfying. We’ll start by activating the yeast to ensure a light and fluffy dough, then move on to kneading until it’s perfectly elastic. The magic truly begins when we roll out the dough, spread a luscious butter-cinnamon-sugar filling, and twist it into its signature wreath shape. Each step is designed to build flavor and achieve that perfect texture that makes homemade bread so irresistible. Prepare yourself for an experience that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!
📖 Recipe Card: Your Guide to a Flawless Cinnamon Wreath
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
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Baking tray
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Mixer with dough hooks or a kitchen machine with dough hooks
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Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 225 ml milk , lukewarm
- 2 teaspoons yeast , dried
- 375 gram flour
- 140 grams sugar
- 1 egg , size L
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 70grams butter , unsalted and melted
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon , ground
For Brushing
- 1 egg , slightly beaten
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Step 1: Activate the Yeast. In a small bowl, gently mix the lukewarm milk with the dried yeast. Stir until the yeast is fully dissolved. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s active when it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is alive and ready to make your dough rise beautifully.
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Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the flour, 60 grams of sugar, 30 grams of melted butter, and the egg. Once the yeast mixture is activated, pour it into the bowl with these dry ingredients.
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Step 3: Initial Kneading. Begin to knead the dough. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes until the ingredients are well combined and a shaggy dough forms.
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Step 4: Develop Gluten. Add the teaspoon of salt to the dough. Continue kneading for another 10 minutes. This extended kneading time is crucial for developing the gluten, resulting in a smooth, elastic dough that passes the “windowpane test” (you should be able to stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without tearing).
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Step 5: Prepare for First Rise. Lightly brush a large, clean bowl with a little oil. Transfer the thoroughly kneaded dough into this prepared bowl.
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Step 6: Cover the Dough. Turn the dough once in the oiled bowl to ensure it’s evenly coated. Then, cover the bowl first with a damp kitchen cloth, and then with plastic wrap. This dual covering helps trap moisture and create a warm, humid environment ideal for rising.
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Step 7: First Rise. Place the covered bowl in a warm, draft-free location. Allow the dough to rise for approximately 1 hour, or until it has visibly doubled in volume. The exact time may vary based on your kitchen’s temperature.
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Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Filling. While the dough is undergoing its first rise, prepare the irresistible filling. In a small bowl, mix the remaining sugar with the ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined. This mixture will give your bread its signature warm, sweet flavor and beautiful swirls.
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Step 9: Prepare Melted Butter. Melt the remaining butter and set it aside in a small bowl. This will be brushed onto the dough before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar, helping it adhere and adding richness.
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Step 10: Prepare Baking Tray. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This simple step prevents the bread from sticking and ensures easy transfer and cleanup.
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Step 11: Punch Down Dough. Once the dough has completed its first rise, gently punch it down to release the accumulated gases. Lightly flour your work surface and place the dough onto it.
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Step 12: Roll Out the Dough. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a large rectangle. Aim for it to be as thin and even as possible, typically around 1/4 inch thick. The precise dimensions aren’t critical, but a uniform thickness ensures consistent layers.
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Step 13: Apply Filling. Generously brush the entire surface of the rolled-out dough with the melted butter, ensuring even coverage. Then, evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface, right to the edges.
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Step 14: Roll into a Log. Carefully and tightly roll the dough from the widest side upwards, creating a neat log. Pinch the seam firmly to seal the edges and prevent the filling from escaping.
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Step 15: Create the Twist. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, carefully slice the dough log in half lengthwise. This will expose the beautiful layers of cinnamon sugar. Gently twist the two halves around each other, keeping the cut, cinnamon-filled sides facing outwards as much as possible to create a stunning marbled effect.
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Step 16: Form the Wreath. Carefully bring the ends of the twisted dough together to form a circular wreath shape. Pinch the ends firmly to seal them, creating a continuous, beautiful ring. Gently transfer this wreath to your prepared baking sheet.
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Step 17: Prepare for Second Rise. Cover the formed wreath on the baking sheet with a damp cloth, and then with plastic wrap. This is essential for maintaining moisture during the second proof.
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Step 18: Second Rise. Place the covered wreath in a warm, draft-free place and let it rise for another 1 hour. It should look noticeably puffier and almost doubled in size, indicating it’s ready for baking.
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Step 19: Preheat Oven. About 30 minutes before the second rise is complete, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Remember, if you are using a convection oven with an air fan, reduce the temperature by 20°C (30°F) to prevent over-browning.
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Step 20: Egg Wash. Once the wreath has finished its second rise and the oven is ready, gently remove the plastic wrap and damp cloth. Lightly brush the entire surface of the risen wreath with the slightly beaten egg. This egg wash creates a beautiful, glossy, golden-brown crust.
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Step 21: Begin Baking. Carefully slide the baking tray with the cinnamon wreath into the preheated oven. Place it in the center rack for even heat distribution.
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Step 22: Complete Baking. Bake the wreath for 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F). After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 165°C (325°F) and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the bread is a deep golden brown and cooked through. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
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Step 23: Cool and Serve. Once baked, carefully remove the cinnamon wreath bread from the oven. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool on a rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, savoring every delicious bite of this **festive sweet bread**.
Nutrition
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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Wreath Bread
Achieving a bakery-quality **Cinnamon Wreath Bread** at home is easier than you think, especially with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Ensure Active Yeast: Always check that your yeast is active before proceeding. If your milk and yeast mixture doesn’t become frothy after 5-10 minutes, your yeast might be old or inactive, and it’s best to start with a new batch. Lukewarm milk (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C) is key – too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it.
- The Importance of Kneading: Don’t underestimate the kneading time. Proper kneading develops the gluten strands in the flour, which are responsible for the bread’s soft, chewy texture and elasticity. If kneading by hand, it may take a little longer, but the “windowpane test” is your best indicator of readiness.
- Warm, Draft-Free Rising Environment: Yeast loves warmth! Find a consistently warm spot for your dough to rise. A turned-off oven with just the light on, a warm spot near a sunny window, or a proofing setting on your oven are all excellent choices. Avoid cold, drafty areas, which can hinder the rising process.
- Even Rolling is Key: When rolling out your dough, aim for a consistent thickness across the entire rectangle. This ensures that the cinnamon-sugar filling is evenly distributed throughout the layers and that the bread bakes uniformly.
- Gentle Handling: After the first rise, handle the dough gently to avoid knocking out too much of the air. This helps maintain a light and airy texture in the final product.
- Twisting Technique: When twisting the two halves of the dough, try to keep the cut sides facing outwards as much as possible. This creates those beautiful, visible cinnamon swirls that make the wreath so appealing. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – homemade charm is part of its appeal!
- Customizing Your Wreath: Get creative with your filling! You can add a handful of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture. For an extra touch of sweetness and shine, consider drizzling a simple glaze (made with powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice) over the cooled bread.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If you notice the top of your wreath bread browning too quickly during baking, loosely tent it with aluminum foil. This will protect the crust while allowing the interior to finish cooking.
- Cool Completely for Best Texture: While it’s tempting to dive right in, allowing the bread to cool completely on a wire rack prevents it from becoming soggy and allows the internal structure to set properly.
Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Wreath Bread
This beautiful **Cinnamon Wreath Bread** is incredibly versatile and makes a wonderful addition to various meals and gatherings. Its appealing shape and delightful flavors make it suitable for many occasions:
- Breakfast or Brunch Star: Serve it as the centerpiece of your holiday breakfast or brunch. Its elegant presentation naturally draws attention. It pairs perfectly with freshly brewed coffee, a comforting cup of tea, or a refreshing glass of orange juice. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit for a complete morning feast.
- Dessert Delight: While perfect for breakfast, a slice of this sweet bread also makes an excellent dessert. Enjoy it simply on its own, or elevate it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a warm fruit compote.
- Afternoon Treat: For a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, a comforting slice of cinnamon wreath bread with a warm cup of tea, hot cocoa, or a latte is simply divine. It’s a moment of simple indulgence.
- Thoughtful Gift Idea: This homemade bread makes a truly thoughtful and delicious gift for friends, family, or neighbors during the holiday season. Wrap it beautifully in cellophane with a festive ribbon, and you have a gift that comes straight from the heart.
- Party Platter Addition: Slice it into individual portions and arrange it on a dessert or snack platter for parties. It’s easy for guests to pick up and enjoy.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this **Cinnamon Wreath Bread** is sure to bring smiles and warmth to anyone who tastes it.
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We absolutely love seeing your culinary creations and the joy that our recipes bring to your kitchen! If you bake this delightful **Homemade Cinnamon Wreath Bread**, we would be thrilled to see your results. Please don’t hesitate to share your photos and experiences with our vibrant baking community. Tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram or Twitter. It truly brings us so much joy to see you trying our recipes and adding your personal touch to them. You can also share your baking adventures and connect with other food enthusiasts on our official Facebook page. And to make sure you can easily find this fantastic **Cinnamon Wreath Bread recipe** again for your next holiday gathering or special brunch, remember to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board. Happy baking, and we look forward to seeing what you create!