How to Create Buttery Cinnamon Raisin Bread in Simple English
There’s nothing better than the warm, comforting smell of homemade cinnamon raisin bread filling your kitchen. This buttery bread with a hint of spice and sweet raisins makes for a delightful breakfast or snack. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! In this post, I’ll break down exactly how you can bake your own cinnamon raisin bread right at home. Follow along step-by-step, and you’ll soon enjoy slices of soft, fragrant bread with melted butter on top.
What You’ll Need
Before jumping into the recipe, here are the ingredients and tools you’ll need to make your buttery cinnamon raisin bread:
Ingredients
- Bread Dough:
- 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 pack) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) softened butter
-
1 large egg
-
Cinnamon Raisin Filling:
- 2/3 cup (90 grams) raisins (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained)
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Optional Topping:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (to brush the crust after baking)
Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Loaf pan (9×5 inches)
- Whisk or spoon
- Clean kitchen towel
- Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
Let’s Get Baking!
Follow these simple steps to make your buttery cinnamon raisin bread:
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, softened butter, and beaten egg. Stir everything together until it forms a shaggy dough.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a clean counter or cutting board. Lightly dust with flour, then knead it by hand for about 8-10 minutes. You want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky but smooth.
- Let it rise: Place the kneaded dough back into your mixing bowl and cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, get your cinnamon raisin filling ready. Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl. Drain your soaked raisins so they’re plump and ready to use.
Step 3: Roll and Add the Filling
- Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Dust your counter with a little flour and roll out the dough into a rectangle about 10×12 inches.
- Spread the filling: Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Scatter the raisins on top.
- Roll it up: Starting at one of the short sides of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal.
Step 4: Second Rise
Place the rolled dough log into a greased loaf pan, seam-side down. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising. Once ready, place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
After removing the bread from the oven, brush the top with melted butter to give it a glossy finish. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice it up and serve with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread. You can enjoy it toasted or just as it is—warm, soft, and delicious!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip soaking the raisins. Soaking them makes them plump and juicy, ensuring they don’t dry out while baking.
- Be patient with rising times. Yeast dough needs time to fully rise, so don’t rush it.
- Check the bread while baking. Ovens vary, so begin checking your bread at the 30-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Store leftovers properly: Wrap your bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it soft. You can freeze extra slices for up to a month.
Final Thoughts
Making buttery cinnamon raisin bread at home is easier than you might think. With a few ingredients and simple techniques, you can bake a loaf that’s far better than store-bought. Not to mention, the satisfaction of baking your own bread is unbeatable.
So, why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, set aside some peaceful baking time, and let the magic of cinnamon and raisins unfold in your kitchen. Once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! Happy baking!
