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Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

4.5 from 65 reviews

This homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with warm yeast-activated dough, fragrant ground cinnamon, and plump raisins soaked for extra softness, this bread is tender, flavorful, and naturally sweet. Baked to a golden brown crust, it’s best enjoyed fresh with butter or your favorite spread.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp softened butter

Mix-Ins

  • 1 cup raisins (soaked in warm water)

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the dough begins to come together.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Incorporate raisins: Drain the soaked raisins well. Sprinkle them over one half of the dough, then fold the other half over and knead gently to evenly distribute the raisins throughout the dough.
  6. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  7. Preheat oven and shape loaf: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
  8. Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy fresh with butter or your favorite spread.

Notes

  • Soaking the raisins softens them and prevents them from drawing moisture from the dough during baking.
  • Ensure the water used for activating yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Kneading the dough well develops gluten, which gives the bread a good structure and chewy texture.
  • You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the loaf before baking for extra sweetness and aroma.
  • Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Cinnamon Raisin Bread, homemade bread, cinnamon bread, raisin bread, breakfast bread