Name: Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488407H51M
Total time: PT-488407H51M
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cup milk, warmed to 115°F; 3 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark); 3 cups bread flour; 2 ½ tsp yeast (active, instant or bread machine); 1/2 tbsp cinnamon; 3 tbsp white sugar; 1 ½ cup raisins

Jump to Recipe

If you have a soft spot for warm, fragrant breads that fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and sweet raisins, you’re in for a real treat with this Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even a cozy afternoon tea. This recipe blends the nostalgic charm of cinnamon swirls with the chewy sweetness of raisins, and thanks to the bread machine, the effort is minimal while the results are spectacularly satisfying.

Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe plays an essential role, combining to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. These simple pantry staples work together to yield a bread that is soft, slightly sweet, and beautifully spiced.

1 ¼ cup milk (warmed to 115°F): Warmer milk activates the yeast and helps create a tender crumb.
3 tbsp butter (cut into small pieces): Adds rich flavor and moisture for a soft, luscious texture.
1 tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
1 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark): Provides subtle caramel notes and helps tenderize the dough.
3 cups bread flour: Offers the right gluten structure for a chewy yet airy loaf.
2 ½ tsp yeast (active, instant, or bread machine): Fuels the rise, creating a light and fluffy bread.
½ tbsp cinnamon: The heart of the spice, adding warmth and aromatic sweetness.
3 tbsp white sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon-raisins mixture that swirls through the bread.
1 ½ cup raisins: Juicy, plump bursts of natural sweetness packed throughout.

How to Make Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Bread Pan

Start by adding the ingredients into your bread machine’s pan in the order recommended for your brand—Cuisinart machines usually require adding the warm milk first, followed by butter, salt, brown sugar, bread flour, and yeast. This layering helps the yeast activate properly and ensures the dough develops just right.

Step 2: Selecting Settings and Moisture Check

Choose the basic or white bread setting on your machine, selecting a 1.5-pound loaf size with your preferred crust color. Make sure the mix-in option is activated, or if your machine has a designated mix-in drawer, get ready to add raisins and cinnamon sugar later. After about ten minutes of kneading, peek at the dough to check the texture—if it looks dry or crumbly, add warm milk one tablespoon at a time; if it seems too wet, sprinkle in some bread flour to form a smooth, sticky dough ball.

Step 3: Add Cinnamon, Sugar, and Raisins at Mix-In Signal

When your bread machine signals the mix-in phase, toss in the white sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. Adding a tablespoon of warm milk at this point helps these ingredients adhere to the dough perfectly, ensuring every slice is studded with flavorful pockets. This step infuses your bread with that classic cinnamon-raisin taste we love so much.

Step 4: Baking in the Machine

Once the mixing and kneading cycles finish, feel free to remove the kneading paddle for an easier loaf removal—though this is optional. As soon as baking completes, carefully lift the pan using oven mitts and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, gently loosen the sides with a knife before transferring the bread to a wire rack. Cooling completely before slicing allows the crumb to set and preserves the bread’s tender texture.

Step 5: Baking in the Oven (Alternative)

If you prefer baking your bread in the oven after the dough cycle, remove the dough gently from the pan and punch it down. Shape it into a ball or rectangle, place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan, cover with a towel, and let it rise until doubled, usually 45–60 minutes. Brush the dough lightly with egg, egg white, or milk to encourage a golden, crispy crust. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes, until a thermometer reads 200°F in the center. Finally, cool the loaf on a wire rack before slicing to enjoy the perfect slice every time.

How to Serve Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Serving this Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe with a light spread of butter or cream cheese is a delightful way to enhance the warm flavors. For an extra touch, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can turn each bite into a little celebration of sweet and spice.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with savory breakfast sides like scrambled eggs or crispy bacon, balancing their rich flavors with its natural sweetness. It also shines alongside a bowl of warm soup or a fresh salad, elevating simple meals with its soft texture and fragrant cinnamon notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider toasting slices and using them as a base for French toast or bread pudding—both incredibly scrumptious ways to reinvent the classic cinnamon raisin bread. You can also cube the bread and add it to a holiday stuffing or turn it into layered dessert trifle layers, making this recipe versatile and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe fresh, store it in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to three days. This helps the bread maintain its soft crumb and keeps it from drying out, so you can enjoy it just as much the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice the bread and freeze the portions you won’t use right away. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you have ready-to-toast slices whenever the cinnamon-raisin craving strikes.

Reheating

For the best taste, gently reheat slices in a toaster or oven until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. This revives the bread’s softness while giving a lovely crunch, refreshing the flavors as if it was freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour?

While bread flour helps create the perfect chewy texture due to its higher protein content, you can substitute all-purpose flour if needed. The bread might be a bit softer and less chewy, but it will still taste delicious!

Do I need to soak the raisins before adding them?

Soaking raisins is optional. Adding them directly works well since the bread machine’s moisture and heat soften them during baking. Soaking can make them plumper and juicier, but it’s not a necessity.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

The recipe advises checking the dough about ten minutes into kneading—add a tablespoon of warm milk if it’s crumbly or a tablespoon of flour if it’s overly sticky. This adjustment ensures the dough has the perfect consistency to rise beautifully.

Can I omit the raisins or substitute them?

Absolutely! If you prefer no raisins or want a change-up, try substitutes like dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips for a different but equally delightful flavor twist.

How long does it take to make this bread in total?

Using the bread machine, the total time usually ranges from about 3 to 4 hours, including mixing, rising, and baking. Oven baking after the dough cycle adds roughly an hour. The hands-on time is minimal, making it a great option for busy days.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of homemade cinnamon raisin bread fresh from your bread machine. This Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe is a fantastic way to fill your home with irresistible fragrance while enjoying a treat that’s both simple to make and deeply satisfying. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite loaf to share with family and friends!

Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes (machine) or about 2 hours (dough cycle + rise + oven bake)
Yield: 1 loaf (1.5 pounds) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a perfect homemade treat featuring a soft, lightly sweetened dough enriched with warm cinnamon and plump raisins. Ideal for breakfast or a snack, this recipe is designed for ease whether you bake it completely in a bread machine or finish it in the oven for a golden crust. With simple ingredients and clear steps, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of cinnamon and baked bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 ¼ cup milk, warmed to 115°F
3 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces

Dry Ingredients

1 tsp salt
1 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
3 cups bread flour
2 ½ tsp yeast (active, instant or bread machine)

Mix-ins

1/2 tbsp cinnamon
3 tbsp white sugar
1 ½ cup raisins

Instructions

Add Ingredients: Add ingredients to the bread pan in the following order: warm milk, butter, salt, brown sugar, bread flour, and yeast (for Cuisinart machines). For other bread machines, consult your manual for the ingredient order.
Select Bread Setting: Choose the basic/white bread setting or dough setting for oven baking. Select the 1.5-pound loaf size and preferred crust color. Ensure the mix-in button is selected or prepare to add raisins manually. Check dough consistency in first 10 minutes of kneading and adjust by adding warm milk or bread flour as needed for a smooth, sticky ball.
Add Mix-ins: When the mix-in signal sounds, add white sugar, cinnamon, and raisins to the pan. Add an additional tablespoon of warm milk to help these ingredients integrate into the dough and keep it soft and light.
Bread Machine Baking: After the last knead cycle, optionally remove the kneading paddle. Once the bake cycle finishes, carefully remove the pan with oven mitts. Let cool for at least 10 minutes, then gently separate the bread from the pan using a knife along the edges. Transfer loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Oven Baking: Remove dough from pan after dough cycle ends. Punch down the dough, form into a loaf shape, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Cover with a heavy towel and allow to rise in a warm area for 45-60 minutes until doubled. Brush the dough with egg, egg white, or milk for a golden crust. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 200°F. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Adjust dough consistency by adding warm milk or bread flour during the initial kneading to ensure a smooth dough ball.
Removing the kneading paddle after the final kneading cycle helps create a better crumb structure and easier slicing but is optional.
For best flavor and texture, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
Use the mix-in dispenser if your bread machine has one to add raisins at the right time without manual intervention.
Brushing the dough before oven baking enhances crust color and texture; you can use egg, egg white, or milk based on preference or dietary needs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (machine full cycle) or 45-50 minutes (oven baking after dough cycle)
Category: Bread
Method: Bread Machine and Oven Baking
Cuisine: American