3 Easy Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipes for Bread Machines

There's something magical about the scent of freshly baked cinnamon raisin bread. It fills your home with warmth and comfort, evoking memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. Thanks to bread machines, you can replicate this magical experience with ease. Here, we'll explore three delicious and easy cinnamon raisin bread recipes that are perfect for your bread machine. These recipes are not only simple to make but also offer a delightful twist to your daily toast or sandwich. Let's dive into the aromatic world of homemade cinnamon raisin bread.

Understanding Bread Machines

Before we jump into the recipes, it’s worth understanding what a bread machine does. A bread machine automates the bread-making process, kneading the dough, allowing it to rise, and baking it to perfection. Here’s how to make the most of your bread machine:

• Understand your machine settings: Different machines have various settings for loaf sizes, crust shades, and delay timers. Get to know yours.
• Ingredients Matter: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your bread.
• Sequence: Typically, you’ll add liquids first, then fats, flour, sugar, salt, and yeast last to avoid activating the yeast prematurely.

Recipe 1: Classic Cinnamon Raisin Bread

This recipe yields a sweet, soft loaf with a perfect balance of cinnamon and raisins.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups water (at room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 4 cups bread flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons salt
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Add water and butter to the bread machine pan.
2. Sift in flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon on top of the liquids.
3. Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients, then sprinkle the yeast into this well.
4. Select the ‘Sweet’ or ‘Basic/White Bread’ setting on your machine.
5. Add the raisins when the machine beeps for additional ingredients or 5-10 minutes before the kneading cycle ends if your machine doesn’t have this feature.
6. Set for a medium crust or light if you prefer a softer crust.
7. Let the machine do its work!

🍞 Note: If your machine doesn’t have a separate raisin dispenser, soak your raisins in warm water for 10 minutes, drain, and add them at the right time to avoid clumping.

Recipe 2: Swirly Cinnamon Raisin Bread

For those who enjoy a visual treat with their bread, this recipe creates a swirl of cinnamon and raisins.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (lukewarm)
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¹⁄₂ cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ¹⁄₃ cup brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Place milk, butter, flour, sugar, salt, and yeast into the bread machine pan.
2. Select the ‘Dough’ cycle.
3. Once the dough cycle is complete, transfer the dough to a floured surface.
4. Roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 9x13 inches.
5. Spread a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar evenly over the dough, then sprinkle raisins on top.
6. Roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll and place it into a greased loaf pan.
7. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 30 minutes.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) in an oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.

🎨 Note: For an even swirl pattern, try to roll the dough evenly without pressing too hard, which could cause the filling to escape.

Recipe 3: Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin Bread

If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, this recipe incorporates whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₄ cups warm water
• 1 ¹⁄₂ tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons oil (canola or olive)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons bread machine yeast
• ³⁄₄ cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients except raisins into the bread machine pan in the recommended order.
2. Select the ‘Whole Wheat’ setting.
3. Let the dough cycle complete and then add raisins as directed by your machine, or follow the method for adding raisins in recipe 1 if there’s no automatic addition.
4. Set for a light crust to retain the bread’s moisture.

🌾 Note: Whole wheat flour requires a longer kneading time, which might extend your machine’s cycle. Patience is key!

In wrapping up, these three easy recipes demonstrate the versatility and simplicity of baking cinnamon raisin bread with a bread machine. From the classic to the swirly to the wholesome, each loaf brings a unique flavor profile to your table. Enjoy the process of experimenting with these recipes, adjusting ingredients to your taste, and the satisfaction of pulling a freshly baked loaf from your machine. The aroma alone will make it all worth it.

Why does my cinnamon raisin bread sometimes have a burnt crust?

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If your bread often comes out with a burnt crust, it could be due to your bread machine’s heating element or crust setting being too high. Try selecting a lighter crust color or reducing the baking time slightly if your machine allows it.

How do I adjust bread machine recipes for different altitudes?

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At higher altitudes, you might need to decrease the yeast by about ¹⁄₄ teaspoon for every 3,000 feet above sea level. You could also reduce the amount of liquid slightly, as the dough tends to rise faster at high altitudes.

Can I freeze the homemade cinnamon raisin bread?

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Yes, you can freeze cinnamon raisin bread. Slice it first, then place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast from frozen for the best texture.