Cinnamon Sugar Braided Loaf

Directions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine water, oil, sugar, skim milk powder, salt and yeast. Mix until well blended.
2. 2Add in a cup of flour and beat with a wooden spoon or spatula until smooth.
3. 3Add in another cup of flour and do the same.
4. 4Add in another cup of flour and do the same. (You should have incorporated 3 cups flour at this point.)
5. 5Sprinkle half a cup of flour on a counter and pour out dough on top. Begin to knead and slowly add in more flour until the dough no longer sticks to the counter. Knead for 10-15 minutes.
6. 6Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and place dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise one hour or until doubled in bulk.
7. 7Place risen dough on a counter. Cut in half with a bench scraper or pizza cutter. Flatten out one of the pieces using your hands. Roll out into a 9 x 14 inch rectangle. Spread 1 tbsp of the softened butter on top. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top, enough to make an even coating (more or less to taste).
8. 8Bring in the long sides by half an inch and roll the dough like a jelly roll, careful to keep sides tucked in. Pinch seam closed with slightly wet fingers.
9. 9Take a bench scraper or pizza cutter and cut jelly roll down the center lengthwise. Open the jelly roll exposing the inside. Take the two pieces and braid them together, cut side always facing up.
10. 10Place the bread in a 8 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan sprayed with cooking spray.
11. 11Repeat instructions #7 - #10 with other half of dough. Cover both loaves with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place one hour or until doubled in bulk.
12. 12Sprinkle the tops of the risen loaves with cinnamon and sugar, and place in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Halfway through baking, check the tops of the loaves. If they are getting too brown, cover with aluminum foil for the remainder of the bake.
13. 13Remove from oven and allow to cool 10 minutes in pans before removing and letting cool on a wire rack.