Print

Cinnamon Braided Bread

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A stunning braided bread filled with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and crowned with golden almonds. This traditional Estonian kringle is soft, aromatic, and beautifully twisted into a wreath shape, making it perfect for festive mornings, cozy breakfasts, or as a show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 g)
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (120 ml)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (43 g)
  • 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp sugar (12.5 g)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (3 g)
  • 1 tsp instant yeast (3 g)
  • 6 tbsp soft brown sugar (75 g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (57 g)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon powder (3 g)
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds (23 g)
  • Egg white (from separated egg, for egg wash)
  • 2/3 cup cream cheese (80 g) (optional)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (43 g) (optional)
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar (38 g) (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (for thinner consistency, optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, salt, yeast, egg yolk, and softened butter. Stir well.
  2. Add flour and mix to form a shaggy dough. Knead by hand (4–5 minutes) or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until smooth.
  3. Flatten into a disc, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Shape the Kringle: Roll dough into a 16×12-inch (40×30 cm) rectangle.
  5. Mix filling ingredients until smooth and spread evenly over the dough.
  6. Roll up from the long side into a log, pinch to seal, and cut lengthwise in half.
  7. Twist the two strands and shape into a wreath. Place on parchment-lined baking tray.
  8. Proof: Cover and let rise for 1 hour until puffy. Optional: chill in the freezer for the last 10 minutes of proofing to help butter firm up.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush dough with egg white and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and set.
  10. Optional Frosting: Whisk cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled kringle.

Notes

  • Use a ruler to roll the dough to an even rectangle for best shaping results.
  • The freezer trick helps with clean slicing and beautiful twists.
  • The kringle is delicious both with or without frosting—adjust based on preference.
  • Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be wrapped and stored at room temp for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/cinnamon-braided-bread/