Description
This Sourdough Cinnamon Bread recipe combines the tangy flavors of sourdough with the warm sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. Featuring a soft, tender crumb and a golden crust, this bread is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack. The dough is naturally leavened with sourdough starter, providing a complex flavor and a light texture. Raisins add a delightful chewiness, and an egg wash gives the crust a beautiful shine.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sourdough starter (80 grams) (discard or fed within 12-24 hours)
- 1⅓ cups warm water, filtered (325 grams) (95º to 100º F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams) (or 2 rounded tablespoons of honey)
- 4 cups bread flour (500 grams) (or all-purpose flour)
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (20 grams) (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 2 teaspoons salt (10 grams)
Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (15 grams)
- 1/4 cup raisins (35 grams) (optional)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water (15 grams)
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar, stirring until dissolved. Add the flour, oil, and salt, then mix with a dough whisk or wooden spoon until a thick, shaggy dough forms.
- Incorporate Flour: Flour or wet your hands and finish mixing the dough by hand until most of the flour is incorporated, allowing some dry flour at the bottom. Cover with a clean, damp towel and rest for 30 to 45 minutes.
- First Stretch and Fold: Lightly flour a countertop and transfer the dough onto it. Stretch one side of the dough up about 4 inches and tuck it back toward the center. Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat until the dough has been stretched and folded on all sides. Return to the bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and ferment at room temperature or a warm area for 4 to 12 hours.
- Shape the Dough: After bulk fermentation, gently transfer dough to a floured surface and stretch it into a 12″ x 6″ rectangle. Dimple the dough with your fingers to release excess air and let it rest while preparing the filling.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture and Fill: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until uniform. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough rectangle. If using raisins, spread them evenly over the cinnamon sugar. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and cover to rest for 10 minutes.
- Final Shaping and Proof: Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray. Tighten the dough roll by gently pulling it towards you along the countertop for 5-8 inches without rolling it. Place the roll seam side down into the pan. Cover and let rise 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Test readiness by pressing the dough corner—indentation should remain.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Brush Egg Wash: Whisk egg and water until evenly combined. Brush the egg wash over the loaf to achieve a glossy finish after baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the center of the oven and bake for 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown. For smaller loaves, adjust time accordingly (see notes).
- Cool: Remove from oven and after 10 minutes, tilt pan to remove bread onto a cooling rack. Allow the bread to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to prevent deflation.
Notes
- Sourdough Starter: Use an active starter fed within 12-24 hours for best rise. Discard excess starter if needed.
- Bulk Fermentation Time: Varies based on room temperature; 4-6 hours in warmer areas, up to 12 hours in cooler environments.
- Smaller Loaves: Divide dough and bake in smaller pans; reduce baking time to approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Resting the dough after shaping and before final proof helps relax gluten for easier shaping.
- The egg wash provides a shiny, golden crust but can be omitted for a vegan version (replace with plant-based milk or omit entirely).
- Storage: Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American