Grandmas Cinnamon Swirl Best Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe

Instructions:

1. Combine lukewarm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, salt, softened butter, and eggs.
3. Gradually add the flour, starting with 3 1/2 cups. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 6-8 minutes in a stand mixer (or 8-10 minutes by hand) until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if necessary. Dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
4. Gently knead the raisins into the dough until evenly distributed.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
6. While the dough is proofing, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon for the filling in a small bowl. Melt butter and set aside.
7. Punch down the dough to release air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12x15 inch rectangle.
8. Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
9. Starting from one of the long ends, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Place the log seam-side down in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
10. Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until the dough reaches the top of the pan.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
12. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. While the bread is cooling, whisk together the glaze ingredients (if using). Brush over the warm bread.
14. Slice and enjoy this classic cinnamon raisin bread recipe!