Easy Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf.

Easy Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf.

18 servings
This light, buttery, super soft, and extra flaky croissant loaf is swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar. Making the most delicious, extra fancy, and super cozy addition to your autumn weekend.

Ingredients

  • warm whole milk
    1 ¾ c
  • instant yeast
    1 tbsp
  • honey
    2 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour

    plus more for rolling

    4 ½ c
  • kosher salt
    2 tsp
  • salted butter

    at room temperature

    6 tbsp
  • cold salted butter

    sliced into thin pieces

    2 sticks
  • granulated sugar
    ½ c
  • ground cinnamon
    1 tbsp
  • egg

    beaten, for brushing

    1

Directions

  1. 1

    1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the milk, honey, 4 1/2 cups flour, yeast, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is completely incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. Add 4 tablespoons room temp butter and mix until combined, about 2-3 minutes more, adding the additional 1/2 cup flour as needed, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until doubled in size.3. Punch the dough down and roll out onto a lightly floured surface, creating a large rectangle that’s about 12x18 inches. Layer the thin slices of cold butter down the middle 1/3 the dough, pressing gently to adhere and layering the slices together to create a rectangle of butter. Gently push the butter together with your hands (see above photo). 4. First fold: Fold 1/3 of the dough over the butter, then fold the other 1/3 over top of the first layer so you have 3 dough layers (like an envelope, see above photo). Roll the dough out again into a large rectangle, fold into thirds. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and transfer to the freezer for 20 minutes..5. Second Fold: Remove the dough from the freezer. Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches) and fold into envelope. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and transfer to the freezer for 20 minutes.6. Meanwhile, butter two (9x5 inch) bread pans. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. 7. Remove the dough from the freezer. Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread the dough with 2 tablespoons softened butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the butter. Starting with the edge of dough closest to you, roll the dough into a log, keeping it tight as you go. When you reach the edge, pinch along the edges to seal.8. Cut the dough log in half. Cut each half into 10-11 rolls. Arrange each roll into the prepared bread pans. You can place them seam side down, or alternate each roll to show more of the filling (see above photo). Cover and let rise 15 minutes. 9. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the bread pans on a rimmed baking sheet and brush each loaf with the beaten egg. Transfer to the oven and bake 35-40 minutes or until dark brown on top. Let cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then flip out onto a cooling rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Easy Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf.

Easy Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf.

4.3(251)210 min18 servings300 cal

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Based on 251 ratings

halfbakedharvest.com
4.3(251 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving that irresistible bakery aroma and flavor right in your own kitchen? This Easy Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf brings the cozy magic of a patisserie to your autumn weekend, delivering a truly special treat.

What makes this recipe truly shine is its promise of a light, buttery, super soft, and extra flaky texture, all wrapped around a delightful swirl of sweet cinnamon sugar. Unlike simpler baked goods, this croissant loaf offers layers of richness and a tenderness that only a carefully crafted dough can achieve, elevating your breakfast or brunch into something extraordinary.

Prepare for a loaf that embodies warmth and indulgence. Each slice reveals tender, pull-apart layers infused with fragrant cinnamon and balanced sweetness, reminiscent of classic croissants but in an easy-to-slice bread format. The golden-brown crust, brushed with egg, adds a subtle richness that complements the airy interior. While the total process takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, with approximately 1 hour of active prep, the effort is well rewarded with a truly impressive and comforting bake.

Feeling creative? You can easily customize this loaf to suit your taste. Consider adding a touch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra layer of spice. For a touch of citrus, finely grated orange or lemon zest can be added to the dough or the sugar swirl. While this recipe uses salted butter, if you only have unsalted on hand, simply add a pinch more kosher salt to the flour mixture to ensure balanced flavor.

This impressive croissant loaf is perfect for elevating any weekend breakfast, brunch spread, or afternoon coffee break. Serve it sliced and warm, perhaps with an extra pat of butter, alongside your favorite hot beverage for a truly comforting experience.

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