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There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon raisin bread filling your home. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a loaf that’s soft, sweet, and lightly spiced. Using my own homegrown and homemade raisins adds a natural sweetness and a personal touch that elevates this classic treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying bread-making for the first time, this tutorial will guide you step by step to homemade perfection!

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I’ve always loved the comforting aroma of cinnamon and the sweet burst of raisins in bread. There’s something magical about pulling a warm loaf from the oven, slicing it thick, and enjoying it with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. Today, I’m sharing my favorite cinnamon raisin bread recipe—a recipe that feels like a hug in every slice. And the best part? I’m using my own homegrown and homemade raisins, making each bite taste even more special. This is even more fantastic when using this cinnamon raisin bread for french toast!

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My Homegrown and Homemade Raisins

I love adding a personal touch to my baking, and that starts with the ingredients I grow and make myself. My raisins come from grapes I’ve nurtured in my backyard garden. After carefully drying them, they’re packed with natural sweetness and a depth of flavor you just can’t get from store-bought raisins. Using these in my cinnamon raisin bread makes the loaf even more delightful, creating little pockets of chewy sweetness in every bite. If you want to learn how I make my own raisins, check out my full post here: Homemade Raisins from Homegrown Grapes.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe Tutorial

Image illustrates cinnamon raisin bread.

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of our rolls, giving them structure while keeping them soft and tender.
1/4 cup sugar – Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the cinnamon and raisins.
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise beautifully, creating soft, fluffy layers.
1 tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from being overpowering.
1 cup warm milk – Adds richness and helps activate the yeast for a perfect rise.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Brings a tender, buttery flavor and makes the rolls delightfully soft.
1 large egg – Adds moisture and richness, helping the dough become light and airy.
1 1/2 cups homemade raisins – Sweet, chewy bursts of flavor that I make from my own backyard grapes for a personal touch.
2 tsp cinnamon – The warm, comforting spice that gives these rolls their signature swirl and cozy aroma.

Instructions

Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Mix dry ingredients

In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and cinnamon.

Combine and knead

Add melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture, then gradually add the flour mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.

First rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.

Add raisins

Gently knead in your homemade raisins.

Shape the loaf

Form dough into a loaf and place in a greased 9×5-inch pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy

Slice thick, serve warm with butter, and savor the cozy flavors.

Adding Home-Grown Homemade Raisins, If Desired

Before adding my homemade raisins to the dough, I like to soak them in warm water for about 10–15 minutes to make them plump and juicy. After soaking, I gently pat them dry with a towel and toss them in a little flour. This simple step prevents the raisins from sinking to the bottom of the loaf and keeps them from drying out during baking, ensuring every bite has those sweet, chewy bursts of flavor throughout the bread.

I love adding a personal touch to my baking, which is why I make my own homemade brown sugar. It’s simple, aromatic, and far fresher than store-bought versions. Making it at home allows me to control the sweetness and moisture, giving my cinnamon raisin rolls a rich, caramel-like flavor that melts perfectly into the dough.

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Quick Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe:

Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon molasses
Instructions: In a bowl, combine sugar and molasses. Stir or knead with your fingers until fully blended and slightly moist. Use immediately or store in an airtight container.

Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Rolls – A Sweet Morning Treat

There’s something magical about a batch of warm, homemade cinnamon raisin rolls straight from the oven. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon and dotted with sweet, chewy raisins makes for a comforting breakfast or snack that feels like a hug in every bite. Topped with a drizzle of glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, these rolls are perfect for weekend mornings, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a little homemade indulgence. Using my own homegrown raisins takes them from delicious to extraordinary, adding a personal touch that truly makes these rolls unforgettable.

Conclusion

Making cinnamon raisin bread at home is more than just baking—it’s creating comfort, warmth, and memories in your kitchen. Using my homegrown raisins makes it even more special, and the smell alone will make your house feel like a bakery. I hope this recipe inspires you to bake a loaf and enjoy it with your loved ones, or even treat yourself on a cozy morning.

Resources: Here are some helpful resources for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought raisins instead of homemade?

Yes! Store-bought raisins will work just fine, though homemade raisins add a richer, natural sweetness.

2. How do I store leftover cinnamon raisin bread?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.

3. Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Absolutely. Use the dough setting, then shape, rise, and bake according to the instructions above.

4. Can I add nuts to this bread?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans make a lovely addition, adding crunch and extra flavor to the loaf.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon raisin bread filling your kitchen. This bread is soft, pillowy, and perfectly golden, with a sweet swirl of cinnamon and a generous handful of chewy, homegrown raisins in every bite. This bread is slightly sweet, perfectly spiced, and melt-in-your-mouth tender—ideal for slow weekend mornings, holiday breakfasts, or whenever you need a little homemade comfort. The joy of slicing each slice, tasting the buttery, cinnamon-scented layers, and savoring the chewy raisins is truly unforgettable—making this a perfect recipe to share with family, friends, or simply enjoy all by yourself on a cozy morning!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Rising Time 2

Total Time 2 55

Servings 10 slices