Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread (Printable Version)

Tender loaf featuring fragrant cinnamon sugar and plump raisins, ideal for breakfast or toasting.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/2 cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
04 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 large egg, room temperature
08 - 1 cup raisins

→ Cinnamon Swirl

09 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
10 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Topping

12 - 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine warm milk and yeast in a stand mixer bowl; rest 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add sugar, room temperature egg, and softened butter; mix until combined.
03 - Add flour and salt; knead with dough hook or by hand for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Briefly knead raisins into the dough until evenly distributed.
05 - Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
06 - Combine light brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
07 - Punch down dough and roll on lightly floured surface into an 8 by 16-inch rectangle.
08 - Spread softened butter over dough leaving a 1/2-inch border; sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly atop.
09 - Starting from short edge, roll dough tightly into a log; pinch seam to seal and tuck ends underneath.
10 - Place log in greased 9 by 5-inch loaf pan, cover, and let rise 45 to 60 minutes until puffy.
11 - Preheat oven to 350°F and bake loaf for 35 to 40 minutes until golden and hollow sounding when tapped.
12 - Cool loaf in pan for 10 minutes, brush with melted butter if desired, then remove to rack and cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The cinnamon swirl stays soft and gooey instead of drying out like store bought versions.
  • You control the sweetness and can load it with as many raisins as you like.
  • It makes your kitchen smell incredible for hours.
  • Freezes beautifully so you can have homemade toast anytime.
02 -
  • If your dough isn't rising, your kitchen might be too cold—try placing the bowl in a turned off oven with the light on.
  • Don't skip the second rise or your bread will be dense instead of fluffy.
  • Use a serrated knife to slice or you'll crush the loaf.
03 -
  • Weigh your flour if you can—too much makes the dough stiff and the bread dry.
  • If the top is browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil halfway through baking.
  • Let the dough tell you when it's ready, not the clock—rising times vary with temperature and humidity.
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