Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Raisin (Printable)

A soft loaf rich with cinnamon sugar and plump raisins, perfect for morning toast or snacks.

# What You Need:

→ 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 (1 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 packed light brown sugar
10 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Topping

12 - 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing

# How To Make It:

01 - In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Let rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add sugar, egg, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
03 - Add flour and salt. Knead with dough hook or by hand for 8 to 10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
04 - Add raisins and knead briefly to evenly distribute.
05 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
06 - Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
07 - Punch down risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into an 8 by 16 inch rectangle.
08 - Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar atop the butter.
09 - Starting at the short side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal and tuck the ends underneath.
10 - Place the log into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise 45 to 60 minutes until puffy.
11 - Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
12 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
13 - Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes. Brush with melted butter if desired. Remove from pan and cool completely on a rack before slicing.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The cinnamon swirl stays defined and doesn't turn into a muddy streak like so many other recipes.
  • It's soft enough to eat plain but sturdy enough to toast without falling apart.
  • Raisins add little bursts of sweetness without overpowering the warm spice.
  • It makes your kitchen smell so good that neighbors will ask what you're baking.
02 -
  • If your dough isn't rising, your kitchen might be too cold—try placing the bowl in an oven with just the light on.
  • Don't skimp on the border when spreading the filling, or the sugar will leak out and burn on the pan.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing, or the swirl will pull apart and the crumb will look gummy.
03 -
  • Weigh your flour if you can—too much makes the dough stiff and the bread dry.
  • Roll the dough tightly but gently, and don't stress if the swirl isn't perfect—it'll still taste amazing.
  • Brush the top with butter right after baking for a soft, glossy crust that stays tender.
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