Delicious Cinnamon-Sugar Challah Recipe for Foodies
Welcome, my dear friends, to the world of baking. Today, I am going to share with you one of my favorite recipes – the cinnamon-sugar challah bread. This recipe is so special to me because it takes me back to my childhood in Israel where every Friday afternoon we would smell the fresh-baked challah bread coming out of the ovens all over town.
My love for baking started when I was a young boy and now as an Israeli chef, I have been able to perfect my craft for over 20 years. Baking challah is more than just a tradition for me, it’s a passion that I want to share with you. This recipe is easy to follow and will make your home smell like a cozy bakery.
Let me paint a picture for you: Imagine soft fluffy dough infused with sweet and warm cinnamon spice, and the perfect balance of sugar sweetness in every bite. The mouthwatering aroma of this bread will make everyone in your household gather around your kitchen waiting anxiously for it to come out of your oven.
This cinnamon-sugar challah bread is versatile enough to be enjoyed anytime whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner. The variations are endless! You can adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less sugar, swap warm water with milk for a richer flavor, or even add some raisins or nuts for more texture.
Are you ready? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Prepare to be wowed with this amazing recipe for Cinnamon-Sugar Challah that will spark joy in baking and smelling the ultimate cinnamon bread while you share it with family and friends. In case you’re looking for a dish that will uplift your cooking skills, this warm, flaky and scrumptious loaf is perfect for you.
This recipe is no ordinary challah bread; it is an ultimate cinnamon-swirl challah which makes it the perfect breakfast pastry. Imagine freshly baked dough with a deliciously crispy crust and a sinfully spiced swirl of cinnamon sugar with every bite. Not only will this tantalize your nostrils, but it will also leave you wanting more.
The quantity of ingredients used in making cinnamon-sugar challah loaf has been precisely measured to achieve its perfect balance and rich flavor. The incorporation of brown sugar awakens our taste buds and provides that heavenly sweetness that one yearns for. Not to mention the numerous toppings it can host, from raisins to pecans, and many more.
You’ll love this recipe because of its versatility, as it can be adapted to various dietary needs from gluten-free flour blends to vegan options. Plus, it’s easy enough to follow instructions that make the baking process smooth sailing. Understanding how ingredients work together, mixing them at the right temperature, and precise indication of timelines are crucial elements in executing an excellent final product- which why we’ve got you covered.
Moreover, the recipe does not require any complicated equipment or tremendous amounts of time. All you need is a baking sheet, measuring tools and your hands. Follow step-by-step instructions on our website, whip up the ingredients together, knead the dough just enough, braid them beautifully or create any shape of your liking before leaving it overnight- simple as pie!
So what’s not to love about this delectable cinnamon sugar challah recipe? It’s moist with just enough buttery goodness that goes so well with coffee or tea, along with its distinct aroma wafting from your kitchen as it bakes – this goodies satisfaction goes beyond words; your senses won’t be able to resist biting into top-notch cinnamon rolls braids!
Ingredient List
You will need the following ingredients for this delicious Cinnamon-Sugar Challah recipe:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant or active dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 cup of canola oil or any other vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
Make sure to measure all the ingredients correctly to achieve the perfect flavor and texture.
The Recipe How-To
After you have gathered all of the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start baking your Cinnamon-Sugar Challah. Follow these easy steps to make a perfectly delicious loaf of bread.
Preparing the Dough
- Combine 1/2 cup warm water, 2 Tbsp. active dry yeast, and 1 tsp. granulated sugar in a small bowl.
- Mix yeast mixture and let it sit for approximately five minutes, or until the mixture is foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp salt.
- Using a whisk or an electric mixer with a dough hook attachment, slowly add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, as well as two large eggs and 1 cup of warm water.
- Mix until everything is well combined and a dough begins to come together.
- Add ½ cup vegetable oil and continue mixing until everything comes together to form a smooth dough.
Letting the Dough Rise
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm spot in your kitchen so that the dough can rise for approximately one hour or until it has doubled in size.
Forming Loaves
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and then cut it into three even pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long strip about one inch wide.
- Braid the strips together into your desired braid style.
- Place the braided Challah on a lined baking sheet.
Adding Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- Brush an egg wash made from two eggs beaten with 1 tbsp of water over the top of the Challah loaf
- Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in equal parts and sprinkle generously over egg-washed loaf.
- Cover finished loaves with additional cinnamon-sugar filling so that they are completely coated.
- Allow finished loaf to rise for another thirty minutes.
Baking Your Cinnamon-Sugar Challah
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake your cinnamon-sugar challah for approximately twenty-five minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven and allow loaf to cool for at least thirty minutes before slicing into it.
Follow these steps closely to achieve an ultimate Cinnamon-Sugar Challah!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of making challah bread is that it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted in numerous ways to suit your taste and preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can consider when making your next cinnamon-sugar challah bread.
– Flour: You can switch out the all-purpose flour for bread flour or even use a blend of whole wheat or spelt flour to add some nutritional value to your challah. Keep in mind that different types of flour might require varying amounts of liquid, so adjust the water accordingly.
– Sweeteners: Brown sugar gives the cinnamon-sugar challah a rich flavor, but you can use white granulated sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead. Just make sure to adjust the measurements according to sweetness level.
– Yeast: If you don’t have fresh yeast handy, you can substitute it with instant yeast or active dry yeast. However, different types of yeast are not equally potent, so make sure to read the instructions on the package before using.
– Cinnamon swirl: To give your cinnamon-sugar challah an extra oomph, try making a cinnamon swirl by sprinkling a mixture of ground cinnamon and sugar over the rolled-out dough before braiding it. You can also add chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra texture.
– Braids and shapes: While a classic braided loaf is always a showstopper, you can get creative with your challah shapes! Split your dough into smaller pieces and twist them into knots, rolls, or pull-aparts for a fun and festive look.
Feel free to experiment with various substitutions and variations until you find your ultimate cinnamon-sugar challah recipe. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon sugar challah fills the kitchen as it comes out of the oven. The golden-brown crust glistens as it cools on the countertop, tempting one to take a slice right away. As tempting as that may be, it is best to let the challah cool for a bit before slicing and savoring.
Serve this warm, fluffy and slightly sweet cinnamon sugar challah bread on its own, with a dollop of butter or honey or as French toast for breakfast or brunch. The subtle scent of cinnamon and brown sugar will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Its soft texture pairs well with fresh fruit or yogurt for a refreshing breakfast addition.
For lunch or snacking, use slices of this delicious challah bread to make sandwiches with your favorite meats or cheeses. Try it toasted with creamy avocado spread for added flavor layers. Or better yet, slice it up thickly and serve with chunky tomato soup or roasted pumpkin soup – perfect for dipping!
As a dessert, let your taste buds venture into decadence by using this challah bread to make some ‘sticky pull-apart cinnamon roll’ style bread pudding topped with some whipping cream. They won’t know what hit them when they experience every single bit of the ultimate cinnamon explosion in their mouths.
However you serve this scrumptious bread, I recommend pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complete the sensory experience. Whether enjoyed during breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simply as a snack – this cinnamon sugar challah bread is sure to make any meal an occasion worth savoring!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Just like any other bread, the Cinnamon-Sugar Challah can be stored and reheated easily, making it perfect for meals over several days. One way to make this recipe a bit more efficient is by making the dough in advance and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
After forming and braiding the dough, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. This will give it enough time to rise properly before being baked. Alternatively, you can store the dough in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to bake, simply allow it to thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat the fully baked cinnamon-swirl challah bread, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then wrap the loaf tightly in aluminum foil and let it warm up in the oven for 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through.
If you have leftovers that you’d like to enjoy later on, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep at room temperature for a day or two. Otherwise, store them in an airtight container or a sealed zipper bag, and refrigerate for up to five days.
When reheating leftovers or individual slices of challah bread, lightly toast them in a toaster or under your broiler until slightly crisp. This will help bring back its warmth and revive its flavors.
Overall, these simple tricks will help ensure that your Cinnamon-Sugar Challah remains fresh and delicious even after several days or weeks.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect cinnamon-sugar challah, here are some tips that will help you throughout every step of the recipe.
Firstly, make sure the water you use is warm, not hot or cold. This will activate the yeast and allow it to work effectively. Additionally, it’s important to measure all ingredients exactly – especially flour. Too much flour can lead to a dry, tough bread.
When making the dough, knead it for at least 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is essential for developing gluten, which helps the bread rise and hold its shape.
To braid the challah, start in the middle and work your way outwards on each side. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – a slightly imperfect braided challah still looks beautiful and tastes just as delicious!
Before baking, brush the egg wash gently over the dough to achieve a glossy golden finish. This will also help keep any added toppings in place such as cinnamon sugar.
When baking, keep an eye on the temperature and time – this can vary depending on your oven. A baked challah should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Finally, let the bread cool down completely before cutting into it. This allows the bread to set properly and results in a better texture than if cut while still hot.
With these tips in mind, you’ll have perfect cinnamon-sugar challah that is sure to impress everyone at your table!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there’s nothing quite like the sweet and spicy taste of a fresh Cinnamon-Sugar Challah. It’s a traditional Jewish bread that can be enjoyed with a range of different dishes or simply by itself with some butter.
With this recipe, you won’t need to travel all the way to a bakery or even be an expert in baking to enjoy this delicious bread. All you need is some basic ingredients, simple instructions, and a bit of patience.
So why not give this recipe a try? You won’t regret it! Once you bite into the soft, fluffy texture and get a taste of the warm cinnamon sugar swirls, you’ll be transported to heaven.
And don’t forget, there are plenty of variations and substitutions that you can experiment with to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.
Trust me; once you master this recipe, your friends and family will be begging you for more. So go ahead and impress them with your new baking skills!
Cinnamon-Sugar Challah Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kg flour
- 2 ounces fresh yeast
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup canola oil
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- cinnamon-sugar mixture (already mixed)
Instructions
- Mix yeast, sugar and water.Add flour, eggs, oil and salt. Knead well. Add more water if needed. Leave the dough slightly stickier if you want a lighter bread.
- Let to rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours. Punch in, let rise for 1/2 an hour.
- For cinnamon-sugar challah: Roll out dough to 2-4 squares/rectangles. Sprinkle cinn-sugar liberally. Roll up.
- If incorporating fruit etc into dough: Divide dough into 2-4 pieces. Add what you want. Let dough rise 1/2 hour. Shape. Let dough rise another 1/2 hour in desired shape.
- Bake at 180 C/ 350 F for about 30 minutes.