Cinnamon Raisin Buns are a popular bread side dish that perfectly accompany any lunch, brunch, or dinner. My delicious Cinnamon Raisin Buns recipe contains milk, vegetable oil, sugar, yeast, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and raisins. My foolproof recipe walks you through how to make the moistest, fluffiest Cinnamon Raisin Buns! They aren’t just for spring although they make the perfect Easter dish– this recipe can be made any time of the year! If you like this, then you’ll love Easter Cadbury Mini Egg Bar recipe!
The reason I really love this Cinnamon Raisin Bun recipe is that there is NO KNEADING involved, making it one of the quickest and easiest bun recipes to make. If you’ve ever made Hot Cross Buns, you’ll notice these are rather similar. My recipe is the fluffiest, simplest Cinnamon Raisin Bun recipes out there and contains just the right amount of spice balance between the cinnamon, raisins, and other ingredients. You could never buy sweet buns THIS fluffy and moist in any grocery store! One of my favorite toppings is butter but you can also top with icing if you wish.
Benefits of Raisins
According to Healthline’s post, raisins contain fiber, antioxidants, and critical minerals such as iron. Raisins may be small but they are mighty as they’re packed with energy, are rich in fiber, and vitamins. In fact, raisins can aid in digestion, increase iron levels, and keep your bones strong. Raisins are delicious in rolls, bread, topped on salads, and eaten alone.
Healthline’s post discusses a 2009 study that found raisins contain phytochemicals, which can promote healthy teeth and gums. The phytochemicals in raisins, including oleanolic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid also help fight bacteria that lead to cavities.
Ingredients in Cinnamon Raisin Buns
Milk. Make sure to use whole milk for this recipe.
Vegetable oil. Vegetable or canola oil will work.
Sugar. Granulated sugar adds sweetness to these rolls.
Yeast. Active dry yeast will help your dough rise.
All-purpose flour. All-purpose flour adds texture and will help the ingredients bind.
Baking powder. Baking powder is a two-in-one leavening agent that combines sodium bicarbonate with a powdered acid. It will help the dough rise.
Baking soda. Working together with baking powder, baking soda also acts as a leavening and helps to evenly cook the dough.
Salt. Salt provides flavor but more importantly, it helps to enhance the browning process.
Cinnamon. Ground cinnamon adds a spicy aroma and fragrant flavor and is packed with nutrients.
Raisins. Raisins add texture and flavor and can also aid in digestion as well as boosting iron levels to keep your bones strong.
How to Make the Best Cinnamon Raisin Buns
STEP 1: To make the buns, combine the milk, oil, and ½ cup of the sugar in a small pot. Bring the heat to low-medium and stir until warm, but not yet boiling. Turn off the heat, allowing the mixture to cool for about 25-30 minutes.
STEP 2: Sprinkle the yeast over the cooled mixture. Stir in 4 cups of the flour. The mixture will be sticky. Cover with a dish towel; set aside for 1 hour.
STEP 3: Stir the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and remaining ½ cup of flour into the dough, mixing until combined.
STEP 4: In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup sugar with the cinnamon and any optional spices such as allspice or nutmeg.
STEP 5: Turn the dough out on a floured baking sheet. Press it to flatten the dough, gently stretching it out to the edges of the baking sheet as best you can. If holes appear, use your fingers to pinch them together and continue stretching the dough. Sprinkle 1/3 of the sugar cinnamon mixture over it. Add about 1/3 of the raisins.
STEP 6: Fold the dough over on itself; flattening it with your hands again but you do not need to stretch the dough all the way out to the edges of the baking sheet. Repeat the sugar/raisin process and fold the dough again. Repeat for a third time.
STEP 7: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
STEP 8: Flour your hands. Take double golf ball sized pieces of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball, seam side down as best you can, on the baking sheet. Cover them with paper towels and let them rise for an hour in a room temperature environment. Avoid letting the dough rise with a cold window open nearby as it will effect the dough and its ability to rise.
STEP 9: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F/ 205 degrees C.
STEP 10: To make the glaze, mix the egg white with a splash of milk. Brush the glaze over the balls of dough.
STEP 11: Bake until the tops of the rolls turn golden brown, about 20-30 minutes, depending on your oven.
If you like this, then you’ll love these recipes!
St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treat Balls
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Cinnamon Raisin Buns, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Cinnamon Raisin Buns
Ingredients
- 2 c whole milk
- 1/2 c vegetable oil
- 3/4 c granulated sugar divided
- 1 package active dry yeast or 2 1/4 teaspoons
- 4.5 c all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder heaping
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 c raisins
Instructions
- To make the buns, combine the milk, oil, and ½ cup of the sugar in a small pot. Bring the heat to low-medium and stir until warm, but not yet boiling. Turn off the heat, allowing the mixture to cool for about 25-30 minutes.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the cooled mixture. Stir in 4 cups of the flour. The mixture will be sticky. Cover with a dish towel; set aside for 1 hour.
- Stir the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and remaining ½ cup of flour into the dough, mixing until combined.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup sugar with the cinnamon and any optional spices such as allspice or nutmeg.
- Turn the dough out on a floured baking sheet. Press it to flatten the dough, gently stretching it out to the edges of the baking sheet. If holes appear, use your fingers to pinch them together and continue stretching the dough. Sprinkle 1/3 of the sugar cinnamon mixture over it. Add about 1/3 of the raisins.
- Fold the dough over on itself; flattening it with your hands again but you do not need to stretch the dough all the way out to the edges of the baking sheet. Repeat the sugar/raisin process and fold the dough again. Repeat for a third time.
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Flour your hands. Take double golf ball sized pieces of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball, seam side down as best you can, on the baking sheet. Cover them with paper towels and let them rise for an hour in a room temperature environment. Avoid letting the dough rise with a cold window open nearby as it will effect the dough and its ability to rise.
- Preheat your oven to 400° F.
- To make the glaze, mix the egg white with a splash of milk. Brush the glaze over the balls of dough.
- Bake until the tops of the rolls turn golden brown, about 20-30 minutes, depending on your oven.
Nutrition (per serving)
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