How to Make Amazing Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread (No Mixer)

In this instructable, I will show you how to make an Amazing Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread. This cinnamon raisin bread recipe is dear to my heart, it is my mom's recipe. When I was a teenager I used to make several small loaves of this cinnamon raisin bread, and then my mom would take them to her work and sell them for me. I used that money that I earned to buy Christmas presents. This recipe is really easy to make, if I can do it, you can do it. Follow the steps below or watch the video tutorial or do both! Enjoy!

Go to my website to print the recipe.

Ingredients:

- 4 cups of Bread Flour (508 g) (you can use All Purpose flour as well, plus 1/2 cup (63.5 g) to add as needed while kneading)

- 1/2 cup of butter (melted) (113 g)

- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (100 g)

- 1/2 tsp of salt (2.8 g)

- 1 large egg

- 1 and 1/2 cup of milk (360 ml)

- 2 and 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast (one packet equivalent) (6.4 g)

- 1 cup of raisins (150 g)

Toppings:

- 2 Tbsp of sugar (25 g)

- 2 Tbsp of cinnamon (15 g)

- 1 egg white

Tools:

wooden spoon

fork

bowls

2 - 4x8" bread pans

canola oil

damp cloth

baster brush

rolling pin

Bake the cinnamon raisin bread at 375 degrees F (190 C) for 30 to 40 minutes until it is nice and brown on the top, and it sounds kind of hallow when you flick/thump the top of it.

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

First let's go ahead and proof/activate our yeast. Take your milk and heat it up in the microwave for 35 to 45 seconds. We want the temperature to be between 105 and 115 degrees F. Then we add our yeast. Next add about a teaspoon of your sugar to the yeast. Now stir the mixture, then let it set for 5 to 10 minutes until it gets nice and foamy. Once it looks like the last picture you know it is alive and thriving!

Step 2: Melt Butter

Now we melt our butter, I do it in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds. Then add it to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Other Ingredients

Next we add our sugar to the butter, and give it a good stir. Then we add the egg, again stirring after. Next we add the yeast mixture, then stir.

Step 4: Add Flour Little at a Time Stirring Inbetween

Next we start to add our flour, I add it a little at a time, about a fourth of it at a time. Then stir with a wooden spoon. After about adding half of the flour, we add our salt. Then add some more flour, then our raisins.

Step 5: Keep Adding Flour

Keep adding flour until we have about a half of a cup to a fourth of a cup left. Save that to add while kneading.

Step 6: Knead the Dough

Next we take the dough to a clean counter top. Pour out the remaining flour and use it for kneading. To knead the dough, pull the dough towards you and fold it over, then push down with your palm, then give it a half of a turn and repeat the process. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 7: Let the Dough Rise

Now we take another bowl and add a little bit of canola or vegetable oil to it, then coat the sides with our fingers. Add the dough and move it around in the bowl so it gets a light coating of the oil. This will help it to not dry out. Place a damp cloth on top, again helping it to not dry out. Let the dough rise for 1 hr to 1.5 hrs. or until doubled.

Step 8: Divide Dough in Parts

Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal parts, depending on how many bread pans you have. This recipe makes one really large loaf, or two medium 4x8 size loafs, or about 4 small bread pan loafs. Add a bit of flour to the counter.

Step 9: Roll Out the Dough

Now we roll out the dough on a lighted floured counter. Then we add our cinnamon and sugar mixture. 2 tablespoons of each. Just shake it on the top, then roll up the dough. Once done rolling, curl the ends down.

Step 10: Let Rise

Place the dough, seam side down into the bread pan, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 11: Baste and Bake

Now we take an egg and separate it from the yolk. Take a fork or whisk and beat the egg white until frothy. Next baste the tops of your loafs with the egg whites. Then bake it at 375 Degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes until it is nice and golden brown on top, and it sounds hollow when you thump it with your finger.

Step 12: Summary and Video Tutorial

You may print the recipe here if you like.

These cinnamon bread loaves make great Holiday gifts, or as a year-round treat! Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread...mmm well except maybe sizzling bacon...