Braided Cinnamon Wreath

​Could it really be possible that this little boy is turning 17 today?

​This picture is proof that that he really has been an Ohio State fan for most of his life.
​​​It's hard to believe that he will be starting his senior year of high school in just a few short months.  I could not be more proud of him.

To kick off his birthday celebration we started the day with a birthday breakfast with a braided cinnamon wreath - complete with a birthday candle.

Braided Cinnamon Wreath
Dough
 2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup lukewarm milk
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 Tablespoons melted butter
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp sugar
Filling:
1/4 cup melted butter
5 tbsp sugar
3 tsp cinnamon

​Mix the yeast and sugar with the lukewarm milk and let it sit a few minutes while the yeast bubbles and foams up.

​Add the egg yolk, the melted butter, the flour and the salt, then knead the dough and shape into a ball.

​Place the dough in a large, greased bowl, then cover and place in a warm space and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

​Preheat oven to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Dust your work surface with flour, and roll the dough out to a thickness of 1cm.

​Spread half of the melted butter across all of the dough, then sprinkle three quarters of the cinnamon and sugar mixture.

​Roll up the dough.

​Using scissors, cut the log in half length-wise.

​​Twist the two halves together, keeping the open layers exposed as described in the photo tutorial. Give a round shape, then transfer to a baking tray.

​Top the remaining butter and sprinkle some sugar and cinnamon mixture. 

​Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

Starting the day with braided cinnamon wreath for breakfast and wrapping up the birthday celebrations with smores cake this evening.  I think it's going to be a good day.

Ciao!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe