Twisted Cinnamon Bread

Step 1 -Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Set it aside.

Step 2 -Grease a large bowl. Set it aside.

Step 3 -In a small saucepan, stir the milk, 3 tablespoons of the granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of the butter together. Heat the saucepan over low heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.

Step 4 -Allow the milk mixture to cool to about 100-105 degrees F.

Step 5 -Pour the milk mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer and add the yeast and the warm water, stirring gently to combine.

Step 6 -Add the salt and 2 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture.

Step 7 -Using a dough hook, mix at low speed for about 1 minute.

Step 8 -While the mixer continues to churn, add 1 cup of the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Mix until the dough starts to clear the sides of the bowl, about 1 1/2 minutes.

Step 9 -Knead the dough on low speed until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky to the touch, about 2 minutes.

Step 10 -Place the dough into the prepared greased bowl, turning it so it is completely coated in the grease.

Step 11 -Cover the dough with a clean dry kitchen towel. Set the bowl in a warm place and allow it to rise for about 25 minutes.

Step 12 -Using the extra flour, dust a work surface and turn the dough out onto the prepared surface.

Step 13 -Roll the dough into a 12x9-inch rectangle.

Step 14 -Stir the brown sugar, the remaining granulated sugar, the ground cinnamon, and the remaining softened butter together. Spread the filling over the dough rectangle.

Step 15 -Roll the dough up lengthwise, pinching to seal the seam.

Step 16 -Cut down the middle of the roll vertically, leaving one end connected.

Step 17 -Twist and braid the bread end over end. It should resemble something like a Celtic knot or challah bread.

Step 18 -Place the twisted loaf into the prepared loaf pan, tucking the ends under the loaf.

Step 19 -Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise until the loaf is just reaching the top of the pan, about 20 minutes.

Step 20 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 21 -Bake until the bread is cooked through, about 45-60 minutes. Use foil to cover the top of the bread if it browns too quickly.

Step 22 -Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Step 23 -Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 24 -Serve.