This Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread could not be easier! Throw all ingredients into the bread machine and let it knead, rise, and bake while you wait. It's fantastic enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or with tea and coffee.
Bread machine cinnamon raisin bread is absolutely delicious. It makes a sweet snack or a tasty breakfast bread when spread with butter or cream cheese and paired with hot coffee or tea. Make it once and it will become one of your favorite breads to make in the bread machine.
This is one of my reader's most trusted and favorite recipes, along with homemade garlic bread, super fluffy white sandwich bread, and artisan-style cheese bread.
This bread machine cinnamon raisin bread is made without having to hand fold and roll the cinnamon sugar mix into the dough. It's made with plenty of sweet sugar and ground cinnamon baked directly into the dough, and an abundance of raisins added as a mix-in.
Using the bread machine takes the guesswork and difficulty out of making cinnamon bread. It's much easier and quicker than making bread by hand, especially when it comes to making yeast breads like this one.
It makes a 1.5 pound loaf and while the dough is made in the bread maker, the loaf can be baked in the oven or the bread maker. Instructions for both are included below.
Equipment Needed
You need a bread machine, plus other tools to make baking, slicing, and storing the bread easier.
- Bread machine: I have this Cuisinart bread machine.
- Bread pan: if you're going to bake the bread in a loaf pan, pullman pans are a great choice. You don't need a bread pan for cinnamon raisin bread though- a baking sheet is fine!
- Bread slicer or bread knife: this Calphalon bread knife is one of the best I've used.
- Bread box or bag: if you're an avid bread maker, this is necessary for keeping your bread fresh for as long as possible. Laura's Green Kitchen boxes are my favorite! I also love the look of storing bread in a reusable bag. These are also great for gifting breads during the holiday season.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Bread flour: all-purpose flour is an acceptable substitution but you'll have a less chewy, soft and airy bread. For every 1 cup of bread flour, replace with 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- Raisins: substitute with currants if you'd like, which are mostly used to make hot cross buns.
- Milk: whole milk is my preference because of its fat content provides richness, but low fat or skim milk are okay too.
- Brown sugar: use light or dark brown sugar or brown coconut sugar.
- White sugar: white sugar is also used as part of the cinnamon swirl flavoring.
- Butter: always use unsalted butter since salt is also used.
- Yeast: instant yeast, active dry yeast, and bread machine yeast are all fine to use in a bread maker. I usually use active dry yeast because it's the easiest to find.
- Ground cinnamon
- Egg
Variations
Add dried fruit: Dried cranberries, peaches, oranges, and apricots taste great when combined with cinnamon.
Make it dairy-free: Replace the butter with extra virgin olive oil and the milk with plant-based milk such as oat milk. Both substitutions are a 1:1 swap.
Make it vegan: In addition to using olive oil instead of butter and plant-based milk, use unrefined brown coconut sugar instead of white sugar. Flax eggs can be substituted for eggs.
Step-By-Step Directions
First, decide if you are baking in the bread in the bread machine or in the oven. If baking in the oven, use the dough cycle to knead and rise the bread. If baking in the machine, use the basic/white bread setting.
STEP 1: Add ingredients to the bread pan in the following order: warm milk, butter, egg, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, white sugar, bread flour and yeast (for Cuisinart machines). *If you have a different brand, check the instructions for the correct order to add ingredients.
STEP 2: Select the basic/white bread setting if baking in the machine or the dough setting if baking in the oven. Select the 1.5 pound loaf option and your preferred crust color. Make sure the mix-in button has been selected (or add the raisins to the mix-in drawer if your machine has this).
STEP 3: When the mix-in signal chimes, add the raisins to the bread pan. If you're watching the dough knead, you may notice that the raisins do not adhere immediately. Don't worry! They will as it continues to work through the cycle.
STEP 4: Now follow the method below depending on how you are baking the bread.
Baking in the Bread Machine
At the end of the last kneading cycle, remove the kneading paddle. This is optional and can also be done once the bread cools. Once the bake cycle is complete, remove the pan from the bread maker immediately using oven mitts. Let cool for at least 10 minutes, then carefully remove the bread from the pan by holding it on it's side and running a knife between the pan and the bread. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.
Baking in the Oven
Once the dough cycle is complete, remove dough from the bread pan. Punch dough down a few times and form into your desired shape. Set on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or inside a loaf pan) and cover with a heavy towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes. Bake at 350° Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Baking Tips
- Always read the instructions for your brand of bread machine before following any recipe. Different brands may have a different order for adding ingredients. Some machines also include a mix-in drawer rather than a timer.
- I have this Cuisinart Automatic Bread Maker. My recipe is for the order that Cuisinart recommends for their machines. Follow my recipe with different brands, but change the order that you add in the ingredients.
- Most bread machines don't require proofing the yeast beforehand. But read your manual in case yours does.
- The white sugar and cinnamon, which is normally added with the raisins as a mix-in when making cinnamon swirl bread , is added to the bread pan initially. This is because when added later much of the cinnamon and sugar remain on the outside of the dough causing it to burn while baking.
- You can use instant, active, or bread machine yeast in this recipe.
Storing Homemade Bread
Bread machine cinnamon raisin bread should be stored in an airtight bread bag or bread box at room temperature. It will keep for 3-4 days when stored properly. It can be stored in the freezer for about 6 months in freezer safe bags.
Commonly Asked Questions
Cinnamon raisin bread is not considered a healthy recipe, although this depends on your definition of healthy. It does contain fewer ingredients than store bought bread, so this does make it a better option when comparing the two.
Yes, this recipe is made with dairy milk and butter. See above variations for tips to making it dairy-free.
There are a few possible reasons for bread turning out dense. First, make sure the salt and yeast do not interact when they are added to the bread pan. Second, ensure you use properly measured bread flour and fresh yeast. Never pack down flour while measuring and never use old yeast.
Yes, it can be frozen for up to 6 months. Slice bread and put into freezer safe bags before freezing.
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Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk warmed to 110°F
- 1 ½ tablespoon butter cut into pieces
- 1 egg at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar light or dark
- 3 tablespoon white sugar
- 2 ½ cups bread flour
- 1 ¾ teaspoon yeast active, instant or bread machine
- 1 ¼ cup raisins
Instructions
- Add ingredients to the bread pan in the following order: warm milk, butter, egg, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, white sugar, bread flour and yeast (for Cuisinart machines). *If you have a different brand, check the instructions for the correct order to add ingredients.
- Select the basic/white bread setting if baking in the machine or the dough setting if baking in the oven. Select the 1.5 pound loaf option and your preferred crust color. Make sure the mix-in button has been selected (or add the raisins to the mix-in drawer if your machine has this). Watch the dough during the first 10 minutes of kneading. If the ingredients are too crumbly add more warm milk 1 tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too wet, add more bread flour 1 tablespoon at a time until a smooth and sticky ball forms.
- When the mix-in signal chimes, add the raisins to the bread pan. If you're watching the dough knead, you may notice that the raisins do not adhere immediately. They will combine with the dough as it continues to work through the cycle. Follow the steps below for your chosen baking method once cycle is complete.
- Machine-Baking: At the end of the last kneading cycle, remove the kneading paddle. This is optional and can also be done once the bread cools. Once the bake cycle is complete, remove the pan from the bread maker immediately using oven mitts. Let cool for at least 10 minutes, then carefully remove the bread from the pan by holding it on it's side and running a knife between the pan and the bread. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.
- Oven-Baking: Once the dough cycle is complete, remove dough from the bread pan. Punch dough down a few times and form into your desired shape. Set on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or inside a loaf pan) and cover with a heavy towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes. Bake at 350° Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Hanna
I’m new to using my bread machine. Mine is an Elite Gourmet by Maxi Matic. This bread was so delicious. This is the fourth loaf I’ve ever made and it’s the best! Soft and fluffy, sweet with the raisins. I will be making this a lot!
terri
I never saw any oven baking instructions on the recipe. Could you tell them to me? I looked several time. Thank you in advance. I look so forward to trying this recipe this weekend!
Kristina
Hi Terri, I don't know why the oven baking instructions have disappeared. Sorry about that! To bake it in the oven, take the dough out of the machine before the last rise. Put the dough on a baking sheet and shape it how you'd like. Let it rise in a warm place, covered with a towel, for 60 minutes. Then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Check for doneness by tapping on the top. It will sound hollow if done. If it doesn't sound hollow, bake for 5 more minutes and check again. You can also brush the top of the dough before baking it with a little milk to get it golden brown, but soft. Enjoy!
Carissa
I’ve made this once for a 1 pound loaf and it was AMAZING. I just tried making it again for a 2 pound loaf, doubling the recipe and it overflowed out the top of machine (Cuisinart) any idea why this happened?
Kristina
Oh no! It's hard to say because there are many factors that could make it rise too high (I have had this happen too!). There could have been too much yeast, not enough salt, or too much liquid. Heat and humidity also play a big role. If it was humid or your kitchen was hot, that could also have caused it. I would say to try again and alter the recipe to see which one of these it was, but one by one. If it was a humid day, wait for a day with low humidity. If you don't think weather was a factor, add a little less liquid (minus 1/4 cup), then less yeast (minus 1/4 tsp), and then less salt (minus 1/4 tsp). Let me know how it goes!
Michelle
Great recipe but personally I’d add a bit more cinnamon. Bread was just the right texture and perfect on its own fresh out the machine. I’ll certainly be making this again! Thanks!!
Kristina
I am glad you enjoyed it! You can certainly add as much cinnamon as you'd like. -Kristina
Don
When I made this, the rainsins ended up in the bottom third of the loaf rather than evenly distributed. I also have a Cuisinart bread maker and I added the raisins at the 5-beep signal. I simply opened the lid and poured them in. What am I doing wrong?
Kristina
You're not doing anything wrong. Sometimes it's just the machine. Mine has done this a few times, so to avoid it happening you can use a spatula to move them around and help them stick to the dough initially, which will then get them to distribute throughout the dough while it kneads. Did you add the sugar and cinnamon with the raisins?
Danette
We're we supposed to add the sugar and cinnamon with the raisins? I followed the order of ingredients and added the sugar and cinnamon earlier.
Does this mean it won't turn out right?
Kristina
Hi Danette, the sugar and cinnamon go into the bread pan with the other ingredients, as the recipe states. It should turn out right for you! Let me know how it tastes :).
Kerrie
I made this bread a week ago.. Mine came out very dense. Like a bagel lol I followed the directions. I have a 1.5lb black and decker machine
Kristina
Oh no! There are a few reasons why a great bread recipe can turn out dense- even when your follow the recipe exactly! If the room was too cool or too warm, it could cause dense bread. One of the biggest reasons I find though, is that the salt and yeast accidentally came into contact. Not many people realize that when adding your ingredients, the yeast and salt cannot interact, even if just a little. When adding the yeast, make a little hole in the flour and put the yeast in there to prevent this. Did you use bread flour? Subbing with all purpose will slightly change the density too.
Mary YEO
I just baked the bread. It turns out very soft and fragrant!
Maybe next, I’ll make it into cinnamon rolls.
Thanks for the recipe!
Kristina
Cinnamon rolls sound awesome! Thanks for the feedback 🙂
Darrin
Hi there...been eyeing this recipe for some time and will try this weekend. Your recipe states active or instant dry yeast but I have yeast for the bread machine, do I use a little less or more? Also, you indicated you use the Cuisinart Bread Machine, which model do you use? We tried making a fruit-nut bread a few weeks ago and when added at the prompting time, everything sank to the bottom. When we tried it again, we put at the beginning and everything was evenly spread. Do you encounter this issue?
Kristina
Hi Darrin- There is essentially no difference between instant yeast, active dry or bread machine yeast when using a bread maker. Bread machine yeast is basically the same as instant yeast, but is given a different name due to branding. It is a specially formulated instant yeast that's made to rise twice as fast. It can be used in this recipe in the same amount, no need to increase or decrease. I currently have a CBK-200 and I have not had a problem with the mix-ins sinking to the bottom. Sometimes, if it seems they aren't all incorporating and I am too worried to be patient and find out, I will aid them in sticking to the batter with a spatula. If you think the cinnamon raisin sugar mix will sink to the bottom, add them last before beginning the cycle. And if you'd like your bread on the sweeter side, double the sugar (as I've had my sweet tooth readers suggest). I would love to hear how your bread turns out!
Darrin
Hi Kristina,
We had the bread this morning with butter and bacon. This was by far one of the best raisin breads we ever had. Although there was no swirl of a cinnamon it was more like raisin explosion! Will certainly make this again and look at your other bread recipes.
Best regards,
Darrin
Kristina
That's great! I'm glad you enjoyed it. You should take a look at the bacon pull apart bread (not for the bread machine, but if you love bacon this is awesome). I'll be adding a cheddar jalapeno bread soon, too. I look forward to hearing about what else you try.
Marion
I'm going to try this recipe it seems great will let you know.
Wesley Hague
This recepie is good, and also thanks for including oven bake directions later on. While the bread Machine does great with the mixing, the pan size on my makes rather akward shaped bread. So being able to use the Machine to make the dough, and the oven to cook it, lets me make more traditional size bread. Which then works in the toaster.
Kristina
I'm glad you found it helpful and enjoyed the bread! I also find the shape of the bread pan not suitable for all occasions.
Pat
Do I need to make any adjustments to this recipe if I live at high altitude?
Kristina
Pat,
As a starting point, use 2 eggs to keep the bread from becoming dry. Because the recipe already uses bread flour, I think you are okay without adding any extra. And if you're baking it in the oven rather than the bread machine, increase the temperature about 15 degrees and reduce time- check it 10 minutes early. Bread will sound hollow when tapped if it's done. If not finished, check every 2 minutes after. Let me know how that works!
-Kristina
Amy
After a year of learning to make bread without a machine, I have decided I don't have a natural flair for it! But still wanting to make my own bread so I invested in a machine. OMG...... why did I not do that earlier?? This recipe was so easy and we loved it!
Natalie
What a lovely cinnamon bread. I bet it tastes so delicious. I love that you used butter in this recipe. I must give this a try. Can't wait!
Freya
I love raisin bread, it’s so yummy and homely. Thank you for sharing your recipe, I can’t wait to try it!
Linda
I've been eyeing to get a new machine especially now that we're home most of the time and this will be my first recipe to make!
Biana
Yum! This bread looks so good, and I love that you can make it in the bread machine.
Jessica Formicola
There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh baked bread, and this cinnamon bread totally takes the cake! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Chef Dennis
We just had this for breakfast and it's super yummy!
Jere Cassidy
We are total carb addicts here and there is nothing better than cinnamon bread. I don't have a bread machine anymore but will just bake it in the oven.
Alexandra
Absolutely delicious - smells and tastes amazing!
Jim
Has anyone tried making this in a part of the world where ounces aren't used, please?
I can convert it to grams but sometimes a straight conversion doesn't quite work as it should.....
Thanks in advance.
Nora
This is the PERFECT recipe for my daughter! She loves raisins and cinnamon! I must bake this for her next weekend immediately!
Heather
This recipe turned out great! I used a tbsp of cinnamon and the 1.5 lb setting on my bread machine, since I don’t have a 1 lb setting. I didn’t add raisins since I have no luck with them, my machine just chews them up. I’m looking forward to trying cheese bread with the same ratios and ingredients. I presume you would use grated cheddar cheese, but any recommendations on how much?
Kristina
Hi Heather, I am so glad you liked it! I love cheese bread too, and use grated/shredded cheese to make pepperoni bread, sun dried tomato bread, and cranberry brie bread. I use 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1/4 cup of parmesan per 2 1/2 cups of bread flour. Sometimes I put more cheese on top about 15 minutes before the bread is done baking. If you search the site, you'll find these bread recipes. If you just want the cheese bread without the pepperoni/cranberry/tomatoes, you can eliminate them and keep the rest of the recipe the same. Let me know how your bread turns out. Happy baking!
Heather
Thanks Kristina! So I can use the same recipe as the cinnamon swirl and add the cheese instead of the cinnamon mixture at the beeps?
Kristina
Yes- but I wouldn't use brown sugar. I'd replace it with white sugar.
Heather
This turned out fantastic! Next time I will up the flavour quotient and use better cheese, but it was amazing how great this recipe is. For other folks out there, I’m using an older Regal Kitchen Pro bread machine, I doubt they make them anymore, so I’m sure when I upgrade my machine this will be even better. Thanks so much Kristina for a great and reliable recipe! They are so hard to find online these days.
Kristina
That's great!! I am so glad this recipe is working for you and you're able to use it's base for other breads. Thank you for the kind feedback...I hope others are enjoying it as much as you! My advice, if you didn't do so already, is to shred a block rather than use pre-shredded.
Ashley
What if you machine doesn’t beep at the end of cycles? I have an hour and 30 min dough cycle, suggestions on when to add?
Kristina
Hey Ashley! In that case, it is best to consult the manual for your brand and see when it says to add mix-ins. I can't really speak for it without knowing which brand you have. If you don't have a manual, let me know what machine you have and I will try to find out for you.
Leslie
I really appreciate this recipe! There are so many good bread recipes out there but not a whole lot of recipes using a bread machine. This is perfect!
Natalie
This bread looks really delicious. I will definitely give your recipe a try. Cinnamon swirl sounds quite nice!
Christina
Yum! I can't wait to make this!
Jessie
Oh my goodness! I feel like I can smell the cinnamon off of these photos! Terrific recipe a d I can’t wait to try it!
Lindsay
This looks so delicious! I think I'm going to need a bread maker for christmas!
Celeste
This was so good. I might add a little extra cinnamon next time.
Kristina
I'm so glad you liked it! Let me know how it turns out with more cinnamon. Enjoy!!
Lisa
This looks delicious! We are a bread eating family and our daughter loves to help with baking. Perfect combination! Your pictures and directions are super helpful! 🙂
Marie
Tastes delicious!
Kristina
Hi Marie. You should be able to switch with gluten free flour on a 1:1 ratio. Enjoy!
Andrea
This bread is so so so good!! I always plan to freeze the leftovers, but we never have any!! Next time I need to make 2 loaves!
Pam
Amazing! Forget the store bought stuff. This right here is where it’s at! Easy and healthy snack!
Janice Hobbs
I left a five star review a few weeks ago after I had made this bread, and now I wish I could have left a six star review. I have taken Kristina's flour, sugar, milk, egg, salt and yeast measurements and I have found those ratios to be PERFECT to make many varations of bread. I have used that base to make anything from white bread to cheese bread and any other breads that I wanted to create! Just interchange the sugar with white, light brown, dark brown or whatever you want. The same goes for the fat. Just use butter, shortening, canola oil, olive oil, or again, whatever you want. I also found out that you can use buttermilk. Just use her measurements. The breads I have made so far have turned out perfect. Soft, tender, flavorful and with a beautiful rise. I have not needed to add any additional flour or liquids! I have actually written those ratios down and posted them inside my pantry. Kudos Kristina!
Kristina
This is great Janice! And so sweet of you to come back and let me know. Thank you! I'm glad you've been able to make so many more delicious breads with the ratios in this one. Keep on baking!
Manuela
Usually I never comment on blogs but this is great!
Janice Hobbs
I just had to try this recipe! It hasn't been out of bread maker an hour yet and it is over half eaten! Phenomenal! The house smells of autumn. Living in the north Georgia mountains, I added a diced red apple to the dough when I added the cinnamon swirl ingredients and it couldn't have turned out better. Thank you for such a wonderful bread maker recipe and please keep them coming!
Kristina
Wow, that sounds delicious! I may need to make this again this weekend, with some of our fresh orchard apples. Thanks for the idea, and I am glad it's not lasting long 🙂
Alin
Mine came out with zero swirls? Added cinnamon mixture at the right moment. The loaf just turned out to be cinnamon flavored bread. This recipe may only apply to certain machines
Kristina
Hi Alin,
Sorry to hear there were no swirls! It could be the bread maker (I use a Cuisinart), but it's more likely because you don't remove the bread and roll the cinnamon swirl mixture into it with this recipe. Since we are letting the bread machine take care of the all the mixing, the cinnamon swirl mixture does get incorporated more into the dough than by hand recipes. However, it should still partially stick together in "swirls". If you prefer it with more swirls, use the dough function. Then remove the dough, punch it down a few times, roll it out and add the cinnamon swirl. Then roll the dough back into a log shape and let it rise for 10 minutes. Bake it about 35-45 minutes at 350 degrees. If you want to walk through these instructions in more detail, I'd be happy to!
-Kristina
Pat
Can you substitute Unbleached all purpose flour for the bread flour?
Kristina
Hi Pat,
Yes, you absolutely can! Use a 1:1 ratio when subbing with all purpose flour. Bread flour just has a little more protein than all purpose flour, which helps to release the gluten in breads and doughs. This means that if you use all purpose flour the end result will be a little less chewy, but it will still be good!
Sylvia
Thanks for the recipe! I made it today substituting raisin with walnuts. It came looking exactly like yours and the taste is delicious !
Kristina
Thanks, Sylvia! Raisins in this bread sounds fantastic. I'm glad you've enjoyed it!
Nikki
This looks delicious! I've been looking for a cinnamon bread that could be done completely in the machine without having to take out and roll and swirl by hand. My only question is, my bread maker doesn't have a 1lb option, just 1.5 or 2, will this work with the 1.5 or do I need to make any adjustments?
Kristina
Great question, and I have not yet made a 1.5 or 2 pound loaf with this recipe. You should not have to adjust the ingredients, although you can easily double them to make a 2 pound loaf. If not, try using the 1.5lb option keeping the ingredient proportions the same, but make sure that the bread only bakes for 3 hours and 20 minutes. With a bigger loaf size, your machine might program it to cook for longer. Let me know how it turns out!
Jerrie
Can you use apples in this recipe
Kristina
Sure I think that would work! A few of my readers have used the same dough recipe but changed the mix ins and said it came out really good. Let me know how it turns out!