Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then on high speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (it should still be slightly sticky).
2. Knead and first rise
   Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. Prepare the filling
   In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
4. Shape the bread
   Punch down the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 18x10-inch rectangle. Brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Create the swirl
   Starting with the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Place seam-side down in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.
6. Bake the bread
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Remove from the pan immediately and cool on a wire rack.
7. Make the glaze (optional)
   If desired, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread for extra sweetness and visual appeal.