Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

2 3/4 c plus 2 T flour, separated

1/4 c sugar

2 1/4 t (1 pkg) yeast

1/2 t salt
2 eggs at room temperature
1/3 c milk

1/2 c butter, separated

1/4 c water

1 t vanilla

1 c sugar

2 t cinnamon

1/2 t nutmeg

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt; set aside. Whisk together eggs and set aside. 

2. In a small saucepan, heat milk and 1/4 cup butter until butter has just melted; remove from the heat and add water and vanilla.
3. Let milk mixture stand for a minute or two and then mix it in to the dry ingredients; add the eggs and stir the mixture until the eggs are well incorporated into the batter; add 3/4 cup of flour and stir for about 2 minutes.

4. Place the dough in a large greased bowl and cover with a towel; place in a warm place and allow to rest until doubled in size, about 1 hour. 

5. While the dough rises, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the filling; set aside. Grease a bread pan; set aside. Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter until browned; go ahead and set that aside too.

6. Punch down the dough and knead in remaining 2 tablespoons of flour; cover with a towel and let rest for a few minutes.
7. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface until it's about 12x20 or larger; brush butter all over dough and cover with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

8. Slice the dough into 6 strips and slice those strips into 6 pieces each (6x6=36 squares); stack the squares and turn in to bread pan. Place a kitchen towel over the pan and place in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.

9. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350*. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is very golden brown.

10. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 20-30 minutes; serve warm.