You will need:
For the dough:
- 1 tablespoon (11gr.) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (50gr.) granulated white sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, heated to lukewarm
- 2 1/2 cups (325gr.) all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (50gr. without shell)
- 1 large egg yolk (16gr.)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons (75gr.) soft unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the filling:
- 2 tablespoons (28gr.) soft unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (50gr.) finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1/3 cup (70gr.) firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (3gr.) ground cinnamon
For the topping:
- 1 tablespoon (13 grams) melted butter
Steps:
For the dough:
- In the bowl of your electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, stir the yeast and 1 teaspoon of the white sugar into the lukewarm milk. Let stand until foamy (about 5-10 minutes).
- Next, add the flour, the remaining white sugar, and the salt and beat until combined.
- Then add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and beat until incorporated (about two minutes).
- Switch to the dough hook and, with the mixer on low speed, gradually add the soft butter, continuing to knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it feels soft and silky. (Note: As you beat in the butter you will notice the dough first comes together, then falls apart, and finally comes back together once again.)
- Place the dough in a large buttered bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and put in a warm place (free of drafts) to rise until doubled in size (this will take about 1 - 2 hours depending on the warmth of your room).
- Then gently press the dough to release the air and, on a lightly floured surface, roll into a 12 x 9 inch (30 x 23 cm) rectangle.
For the filling:
- Spread the butter over the surface of the dough, leaving about a 1 inch (2.5 cm) border on one 9 inch (23 cm) side. (Brush the border with cream which will seal the dough when it's rolled). Evenly sprinkle the finely chopped nuts over the butter
- Then, in a small bowl, stir the brown sugar with the ground cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture over the nuts.
- Using the palm of your hand, gently press the brown sugar and nuts into the dough.
- Roll into a log, starting at the opposite edge you brushed with cream. (Do not roll the dough too tightly or the centers of the rolls will pop up during baking.)
- Slice the log into three equal-sized pieces and place in a buttered 9 x 5 inch loaf pan (23 x 12.5 cm), with the cut sides facing up.
- Cover the pan loosely with a piece of lightly greased plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature, until almost doubled (about 30-60 minutes).
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and place oven rack in the center of the oven.
- When the dough has risen, lightly brush the surface with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Bake for about 25 - 30 minutes or until nicely browned and cooked through (a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread will come out clean).
- Remove from oven and place on a wire rack. Immediately brush the top of the bread with a little cream.
- Let bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
This bread makes excellent toast. Store in a covered container for about 4-5 days or it can be frozen for a month.