Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe: Perfect for Breakfast!
Welcome to Love With Recipes! Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe that will make your mornings a bit sweeter. This Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a fantastic treat, whether you’re using a bread machine or preparing it by hand. With its warm, cinnamon-spiced aroma and soft, fluffy texture, it’s perfect for breakfast or brunch and makes for a great addition to any meal. Let’s explore how to make this delicious bread from scratch!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups bread flour
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for spreading)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing the top)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
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If you’re using a bread machine, start by placing the warm water, milk, shortening, salt, bread flour, white sugar, and active dry yeast into the bread machine pan. Follow the order recommended by your bread machine’s manufacturer for best results.
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Select the dough cycle on your bread machine and press Start. This will mix and knead the dough for you.
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If your bread machine has a fruit or raisin setting, add the raisins when the machine prompts you, or about 5 minutes before the kneading cycle finishes. This ensures that the raisins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Knead the Dough by Hand (If Not Using a Bread Machine)
- For those not using a bread machine, combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
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Once the dough is ready (whether from a bread machine or hand-kneaded), turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle.
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Spread the surface of the dough with melted butter, followed by the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, creating a sweet cinnamon mixture.
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Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one long side to form a log. Cut this log into two equal parts.
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Place the two dough logs into two lightly greased 9×5 inch bread pans.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
- Cover the pans with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place them in a warm, draft-free area. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 hour.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Brush the tops of the risen loaves with the remaining melted butter.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is a golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
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Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread!
This Cinnamon Raisin Bread is sure to become a favorite at your breakfast table. Whether you enjoy it toasted with a pat of butter or as part of a decadent breakfast spread, it’s a treat that’s both comforting and delicious. Perfect for making ahead for a large group or just enjoying on a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or tea. Happy baking! 🍞✨
