Have you ever craved a weekend baking project that culminates in a treat so divine, it’s almost otherworldly? Look no further than The Pioneer Woman’s homemade cinnamon bread recipe. For those unfamiliar, Ree Drummond, the force behind The Pioneer Woman blog, is a culinary icon, celebrated for her approachable recipes, heartwarming storytelling, and stunning food photography. Her blog (http://thepioneerwoman.com/) is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts, and her post “http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/2009/06/a_hobby_of_mine/” is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Inspired by The Pioneer Woman’s tempting cinnamon bread recipe (http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/08/homemade-cinnamon-bread/), I embarked on my own baking adventure. Be prepared, this isn’t a quick bake; with a four-hour rise time for the dough, it’s a labor of love best undertaken when you have a leisurely afternoon. But let me assure you, every minute is worth it. The aroma that fills your kitchen alone is worth the wait, and the taste? Pure food euphoria. Imagine a slice of warm, toasted cinnamon bread, slathered with butter – simply irresistible.
Instead of simply reiterating Ree’s fantastic recipe (which you can find in detail on her blog), I want to share my personal journey of making this iconic bread through a photo diary. Consider this your visual guide and encouragement to try baking The Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon bread yourself.
Melting butter and milk for Pioneer Woman's cinnamon bread dough.
Getting Started: The Dough
The initial step involves creating the dough. Melting butter with milk is the first step in creating the rich dough for Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon bread. The recipe calls for whole milk, and while The Pioneer Woman playfully mentions feeling “rebellious” using it, I opted for 2% milk and it worked beautifully.
KitchenAid mixer kneading dough for homemade cinnamon bread.
Once the liquid mixture is ready, the KitchenAid mixer takes center stage, kneading the dough to perfection. Watching the KitchenAid work its magic to bring the cinnamon bread dough together is part of the baking enjoyment.
Cinnamon bread dough looking smooth in mixing bowl.
After kneading, the dough transforms into a smooth, elastic ball, a promising sign of deliciousness to come. The smooth dough is ready for its first rise, signaling the next stage in the Pioneer Woman cinnamon bread process.
Dough rising in a bowl for homemade cinnamon bread.
The Rise: Patience is Key
Now comes the test of patience – the rising time. The yeast needs a warm environment to work its magic and make the dough rise. Hoping the yeast thrives in my kitchen as the cinnamon bread dough begins its first rise.
Proof of successful dough rise for cinnamon bread in Virginia humidity.
Fortunately, the yeast was happy in my warm kitchen! The dough doubled beautifully, a testament to the recipe and perhaps the naturally humid Virginia air. The successful rise of the dough, aided by Virginia’s humid climate, is a positive sign for the Pioneer Woman cinnamon bread.
Melted butter for cinnamon sugar filling in homemade bread.
Filling and Shaping: Flavor Layers
While the dough rises, prepare the luscious cinnamon-sugar filling. Melted butter is essential for creating the rich, flavorful layers within the Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon bread.
Cinnamon and sugar mixture for the filling of homemade bread.
The aroma of cinnamon and sugar mixing together is intoxicating, a delightful prelude to the final baked bread. The fragrant cinnamon and sugar mixture is ready to be generously spread over the dough for Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon bread.
Rolled and risen cinnamon bread dough ready for baking.
Once filled and rolled, the dough undergoes its second rise, plumping up beautifully before baking. The rolled and risen dough is prepared for the final baking stage of the Pioneer Woman cinnamon bread recipe.
Brushing cinnamon bread loaves with egg wash before baking.
Baking and Enjoying: The Grand Finale
Before baking, a generous coating of egg-milk mixture adds a golden sheen and enhances the crust. Brushing the loaves with an egg milk mixture gives the Pioneer Woman cinnamon bread a beautiful golden crust.
Slightly messy baking process of homemade cinnamon bread.
Baking can get a little messy, especially with sticky dough, but the delicious outcome is well worth it! Embracing the slight messiness of baking homemade cinnamon bread, a testament to the hands-on process.
Freshly baked and golden brown cinnamon bread loaves.
The moment of truth – golden brown loaves emerge from the oven, filling the kitchen with an irresistible cinnamon scent. The golden brown and fragrant loaves of freshly baked Pioneer Woman cinnamon bread are a reward for the baking effort.
Slicing homemade cinnamon bread to share and enjoy.
Finally, slicing into the warm bread reveals the beautiful swirls of cinnamon and sugar, ready to be shared and savored. Taking a slice of the freshly baked Pioneer Woman cinnamon bread, ready to be enjoyed and shared.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe
The Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s about the joy of baking, the anticipation of the aroma, and the ultimate satisfaction of tasting something truly homemade and delicious. If you’re looking for a baking project that will impress and delight, I wholeheartedly recommend trying The Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon bread recipe. Trust me, your weekends (and taste buds) will thank you. Head over to The Pioneer Woman’s Blog for the full recipe and embark on your own cinnamon bread adventure!
