Senorita Bread

Step 1

Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can use a dough hook on a stand-mixer or do this by hand.

Step 2

Form the dough into a ball, rolling it around gently on the counter to smooth the surface of the dough. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover, and put in a warm, draft-free place for 30 minutes.

Step 3

Lightly dust your countertop with flour, turn the dough out, and gently knead for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the dough is very smooth and supple.

Step 4

Form the dough into a ball again and return it to the bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm and draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 5

Scatter the flour in a 2 quart, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and toast, whisking it, for 2 to 4 minutes, or until it is slightly darker in colour and smells fragrant and toasty.

Step 6

Whisk in the butter, breadcrumbs, and sugar, stirring until the butter is thoroughly melted and the sugar and flour are thoroughly incorporated.

Step 7

Once the sugar is melted and the mixture is light gold in colour, whisk in the milk and cinnamon. Whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. The filling should be a light caramel colour. Set the pan aside off of the heat to cool completely.

Step 8

Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Set it aside.

Step 9

Once again, lightly flour your countertop. Turn the dough out and gently deflate before dividing it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and let them rest for 15 minutes.

Step 10

Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll the dough into an oblong oval that’s about 4 inches across and about 8 inches long. Spread a generous tablespoon of the filling over the whole oval.

Step 11

Roll up the dough tightly, starting at a more narrow end of the oval. Brush the top of the dough with milk and roll it in breadcrumbs.

Step 12

Place the roll, seam side down, on the prepared pan. Repeat with the rest of the dough and filling.

Step 13

Cover the rolls lightly with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place until they’re doubled in bulk and puffy looking, about 45 minutes to an hour.

Step 14

About halfway through the rise, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are a lovely golden brown.

Step 15

Allow the rolls to cool on the pan for at least 10 minutes before eating or transferring to an airtight container. Señorita Bread will be good for 3 days at room temperature.

Step 16

You can store them longer -tightly wrapped in a double layer- in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat the frozen rolls, wrap loosely in foil and heat in a moderate 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes.