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Vanilla Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Laura Norris

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract divided
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Add the honey, olive oil, and yeast to the warm water. Allow the yeast to proof for 5-10 minutes.
  • In a stand mixer, combine the flours, salt, 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract, and proofed yeast. Knead using a dough hook on medium speed for 7-10 minutes.
  • Once the dough is smooth and sticky, place it in a large oiled bowl, cover the bowl with damp paper towels, and place in a warm place to rise (see my note below).
  • Let the dough rise for 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Roll the dough out on a flour surface until it is roughly 1/4 inch thick. Beat together the egg and remaining vanilla and gently brush approximately half of the egg wash onto the rolled-out dough.
  • Mix together the brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough.
  • Use both hands to slowly and evenly roll the dough into a loaf. Put the loaf in an oiled loaf pan and let rise for another 45-60 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. While the oven is preheating, spread the remaining egg wash onto the loaf.
  • Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Notes

To maximize the rising time, I boil water while the mixer kneads the bread. I then place the dough on the top shelf of the oven (which is off) and the pot of boiled water on a lower shelf. The moisture and warmth helps the bread rise.