Ingredients:
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g)
- Warm Milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C): 1 cup (240ml)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g)
- Large Eggs: 2
- Unsalted Butter, melted: 1/4 cup (56g / 2 ounces)
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 1/4 cups (406g) + more for dusting
- Unsalted Butter, softened: 1/2 cup (113g / 4 ounces)
- Brown Sugar, packed: 1/2 cup (100g)
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons (12g)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (120g)
- Milk: 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml)
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
Instructions:
- Combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes (or 4-5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches.
- Spread the softened cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using).
- Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut the log in half lengthwise.
- Carefully transfer the twisted dough into a greased (or parchment-lined) 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.