Sweet Semita Bread with Cinnamon and Anise

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, slightly sweet Salvadoran semita bread infused with warm cinnamon and aromatic anise seeds, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. This latin american-inspired breakfast ready in about 45 minutes combines all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, (1 packet) active dry yeast into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 8, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp granulated sugar in 1 cup warm milk (110°F). Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp anise seeds, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Add the yeast mixture, 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter, and 1 large egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a round bun and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Step 6: Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  7. Step 7: Bake the semita buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool.
  8. Step 8: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Semita Bread with Cinnamon and Anise take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Sweet Semita Bread with Cinnamon and Anise?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Semita Bread with Cinnamon and Anise?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sweet Semita Bread with Cinnamon and Anise for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sweet Semita Bread with Cinnamon and Anise?

Latin American breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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