Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a delightful homemade treat that's perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. With its warm, aromatic spices and sweet raisins, this bread is a comforting classic that fills your kitchen with a cozy scent. Easy enough for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned bakers, this recipe is a must-try.
All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, providing structure and a light crumb. Granulated sugar adds just enough sweetness to balance the spice. Active dry yeast is the magic ingredient that makes the bread rise and gives it that delightful airy texture. Salt is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the bread, while ground cinnamon infuses the dough with a warm, cozy aroma.
Warm milk helps to activate the yeast and makes the dough soft and tender. Unsalted butter, melted, adds richness and a subtle buttery flavor. Egg contributes to the bread’s structure and moisture. Raisins provide bursts of natural sweetness and texture throughout the bread. Vegetable oil is used to grease the bowl for rising, ensuring the dough doesn’t stick. Lastly, a bit of additional ground cinnamon and melted butter for brushing give the loaf a deliciously aromatic and attractive finish.
This Cinnamon Raisin Bread is delightful on its own, but for a real treat, toast slices and spread with a bit of cream cheese for a tangy contrast. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or hot apple cider on a chilly day.
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine your dry ingredients: 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 2 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Give them a good stir to ensure everything is well-distributed.
Next, create a small well in the center of your dry mix and pour in 1 1/4 cups of warm milk. Add 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and crack in a large egg. Stir the mixture until it comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Transfer your dough onto a floured surface. Here comes the fun part: kneading. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels smooth and elastic under your hands.
Once kneaded, place it into a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. You’re looking for it to double in size — patience is key!
After the first rise, punch down the dough gently to release some of the air. Knead in 1 cup of raisins until they’re evenly distributed. Then, roll your dough into a rectangle, about 9x5 inches. Sprinkle an additional teaspoon of cinnamon over it for an extra pop of flavor, and roll it up tightly into a loaf shape.
Place your loaf into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover it up again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Before baking, brush the loaf with a tablespoon of melted butter. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. This step is crucial for maintaining its structure, so resist the urge to cut into it immediately!
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