There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home during the holiday season. In the spirit of Mexican Christmas traditions, we invite you to try your hand at baking a delightful treat: Pan De Canela, also known as Cinnamon Bread. This sweet and aromatic bread is perfect for breakfast or as an indulgent snack with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a touch of festive joy to your kitchen!
Title: Pan De Canela Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar mixture)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cinnamon sugar mixture)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add the 1/2 cup of sugar, melted butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
3. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, 1/4 cup of sugar, and softened butter until well combined.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
7. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 9×13 inches.
8. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.
9. Place the rolled dough into the prepared loaf pan, seam side down. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
10. Bake the Pan De Canela in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
11. Once baked, remove the Cinnamon Bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade Pan De Canela warm or at room temperature, and savor the delightful flavors of cinnamon and sugar in every bite. This festive treat is sure to become a favorite during the holiday season, perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a special gift. Happy baking!
