Let’s bake a loaf that smells like a hug! In a big bowl, mix the yeast with warm milk and a pinch of sugar—let it sit for 5 minutes ‘til it’s foamy. That’s the yeast saying, “I’m ready!”
Add the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and softened butter—stir ‘til it’s a shaggy dough. Knead it on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes—smooth and bouncy is the goal. Feels so good, right?
Pop the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour—until it’s doubled and puffy. Patience, my friend—it’s worth the wait!
Punch it down (so fun!), then roll it out into a big rectangle—about 12x18 inches. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then sprinkle it all over the dough—edge to edge, that swirl’s the star!
Roll it up tight from the long side—like a cinnamon sleeping bag! Pinch the seam to seal it, then place it seam-side down in a greased 9x5 loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again—30 minutes this time—‘til it’s peeking over the top.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’ve got an egg, whisk it with a splash of water and brush it over the top—gives it that golden shine! Bake for 35-40 minutes—until it’s deep golden and sounds hollow when tapped. Oh, that cinnamon smell!
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then tip it onto a rack—don’t burn your fingers snagging a piece! Slice it up warm—see that swirl?—and enjoy it plain, toasted, or with butter. This is sweet, cozy perfection!