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Two slices of cinnamon raisin bread stacked on top of each other with melted butter on one of the slices all on a plate next to a mug of coffee.

Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread

Course: Breakfast / Brunch
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Proofing: 3 hours
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 6
Calories: 418kcal
Author: Kris Longwell
Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread is not hard to make. A stand mixer does most of the work for you. All you need is time to let the dough rise twice. The smell in your kitchen as the bread bakes is heavenly.
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Equipment

  • Stand mixer
  • 9"x5" baking loaf pan

Ingredients

  • ½ cup water warmed to 105°F to 115°F
  • 2¼ teaspoon yeast quick rise or active
  • ½ cup whole milk warmed o 105°F to 115°F
  • ½ cup sugar divided
  • 6 tablespoon unsalted butter divided, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon ground
  • ½ cup raisins

Instructions

  • Place the warm water in the bowl of your stand mixer. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Add the warm milk, ¼ cup sugar, 4 tablespoon butter, and salt. Use the paddle attachment on medium speed to mix everything together. Slowly add in the flour and mix until the dough no longer clings to the side of the bowl. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour. If too dry, add a little more milk. Remove the paddle attachment and use your hands to form the dough into a ball. Place back in the bowl.
  • Add the dough attachment to the mixer and knead the dough on medium speed for 6 to 7 minutes, until the dough is soft and elastic. It's okay if it's not completely smooth. Remove the dough and use your hands to keep it shaped into a ball.
  • Place in a greased bowl and turn to coat the dough all over. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, non-drafty area until the dough doubles in size, anywhere from 1½ to 2½ hours.
  • Once risen, remove the dough from the bowl and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to a 9"x9" square.
  • In a small bowl, combine the remaining sugar (¼ cup), cinnamon, and raisins. Mix together.
  • Sprinkle the cinnamon raisin mixture over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around all sides. Roll the dough into a log and seal the ends with your fingers.
  • Spray a 9"x5" loaf pan with cooking spray or grease with softened butter. Place the rolled dough in the pan and cover with a kitchen towel. Place again in a warm, non-drafty area to rise again, about 1 hour to 90 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Melt 2 tablespoon butter and brush over the top of the loaf.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when you tap it with your knuckles. Allow the bread to rest for about 10 minutes on a baking rack. Invert the pan to remove the loaf. Slice and serve at once, or wrap in plastic wrap to serve later.

Video

Notes

See the video near the top of the blog post for visual guidance. If you liked the video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. 
Don't let the water or milk get too hot, otherwise, it will kill the yeast. 
The bread will keep at room temperature, wrapped in plastic, for up to 5 days. It freezes nicely for up to 1 month.
Reheat slices for a few seconds in the microwave, if desired. Softened butter is amazing on the warm bread. 

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 405mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 385IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 3mg