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:

  1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. 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.
  3. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes (or 4-5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
  4. 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.
  5. While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches.
  7. Spread the softened cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using).
  8. 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.
  9. Carefully transfer the twisted dough into a greased (or parchment-lined) 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  10. Cover the loaf and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
  11. 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.
  12. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.