Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s wrapped up in a warm, tender biscuit dotted with juicy raisins. These cinnamon raisin biscuits are the kind of treat that makes you pause for a moment, close your eyes, and just savor the coziness. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for a quick breakfast, every bite delivers a nostalgic warmth that just feels like home.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a chilly Sunday morning, the kind where you want to stay wrapped in a blanket with something warm in your hands. A craving for cinnamon toast collided with a batch of plain biscuits, and before I knew it, raisins were added to the mix and a dreamy vanilla glaze was drizzled on top. That spontaneous experiment turned into a family favorite and now, a go-to recipe for when we need a little extra comfort.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cinnamon and raisins have been paired together for centuries, often found in European pastries and American baked goods. Their flavor combination is classic, but the biscuit twist brings a Southern flair. While biscuits are traditionally savory in Southern cooking, the idea of turning them into sweet treats isn’t entirely new. Think of these as a cousin to scones, but with that flaky biscuit texture and homey feel.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these sweet, spiced beauties.

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry staples and comes together affordably.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple steps.
Customizable: You can swap raisins for other dried fruit or add chopped nuts.
Crowd-Pleasing: The glaze, the spice, and the fluffy texture always get compliments.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Great for Leftovers: They reheat beautifully and still taste amazing the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make sure your cinnamon raisin biscuits come out just right every time, keep these insider tips in mind.

1. Keep everything cold: Cold butter and cold milk help achieve that flaky texture we all love in biscuits.
2. Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can make biscuits tough. Mix until just combined.
3. Use fresh baking powder: If your biscuits aren’t rising, check the freshness of your leavening.
4. Soak the raisins: A quick soak in warm water makes them plumper and more flavorful.
5. Let them rest before glazing: Allowing the biscuits to cool a bit helps the glaze set properly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before we jump in, let’s make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand.

Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
Pastry Cutter or Fork: To cut cold butter into the flour.
Baking Sheet: A large flat sheet for even baking.
Rolling Pin: Helps gently press the dough without overworking it.
Cookie Cutter or Glass: For cutting perfect biscuit rounds.
Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing the glaze to set without soggy bottoms.

Ingredients in Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits

Each ingredient works together in harmony to create a biscuit that’s tender, flavorful, and impossible to resist.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups. Forms the base of the dough and provides structure.
2. Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon. Gives the biscuits their rise and fluffiness.
3. Salt: ½ teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
4. Granulated Sugar: 3 tablespoons. Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
5. Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons. Provides that warm, aromatic spice.
6. Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, cold and cubed. Creates a tender, flaky texture.
7. Whole Milk: ¾ cup. Brings moisture and helps bind everything together.
8. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds depth to the flavor profile.
9. Raisins: ¾ cup. Offer bursts of sweetness and chewy texture.
10. Powdered Sugar: 1 cup. Forms the base of the glaze.
11. Milk (for glaze): 2–3 tablespoons. Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency.
12. Vanilla Extract (for glaze): ½ teaspoon. Infuses the glaze with rich flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re missing a few things, don’t worry. Here are some easy swaps.

Whole Milk: Buttermilk or dairy-free alternatives like almond milk.
Raisins: Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chopped dried apricots.
Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Salted butter (just reduce added salt slightly).
Powdered Sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a food processor if needed.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cinnamon: More than just a spice, cinnamon brings a cozy aroma and subtle heat that ties everything together beautifully.

Raisins: These little gems offer natural sweetness and chewiness that contrast perfectly with the fluffy biscuit base.

Instructions for Making Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat. Get your apron on and let’s get baking.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the raisins.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Lightly flour your surface and turn out the dough. Gently knead a few times, then press to about 1-inch thickness.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Use a round cutter to cut biscuits and place them on the baking sheet. Space them slightly apart.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 13–15 minutes or until golden on top. Remove and let cool slightly.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over warm biscuits.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or a tall glass of milk.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic of these biscuits lies in the contrast between textures and the cozy layering of flavors. The outside bakes up lightly crisp while the inside remains tender and fluffy. The raisins offer a sweet, chewy surprise in every bite, and that cinnamon-infused dough pairs perfectly with the silky vanilla glaze. Every element balances to create a comforting, slightly indulgent bite.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Just a few extra tips to take your biscuits from good to unforgettable:

• Use a light touch when pressing out the dough to keep it fluffy.
• Don’t twist the biscuit cutter, press straight down for the best rise.
• Let biscuits cool slightly before glazing so it doesn’t all melt off.
• If the dough feels sticky, lightly flour your hands and surface instead of overmixing.

What to Avoid

Even the best recipes can go wrong with a few simple missteps. Here’s what to watch for:

• Overworking the dough: This can make biscuits dense and tough.
• Using warm butter: Cold butter is key to creating that flaky texture.
• Skipping the glaze: It ties the whole flavor together and makes the biscuits shine.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 290

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These biscuits are great fresh but also hold up beautifully if you want to plan ahead. You can mix and cut the dough, then refrigerate overnight before baking. Once baked, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individually and reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best texture. The glaze can be made ahead too and kept in the fridge.

How to Serve Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits

Serve these beauties warm with a drizzle of extra glaze or a pat of butter if you’re feeling indulgent. They pair beautifully with black tea, a latte, or even apple cider. For a brunch spread, add some fresh fruit or yogurt on the side.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you have a few extras lying around, here are some fun ways to transform them:

• Sweet Biscuit Sandwiches: Slice and fill with cream cheese and jam.
• Breakfast Bread Pudding: Cube and bake with eggs and milk for a cozy casserole.
• French Toast Biscuits: Dip in egg mixture and griddle like French toast.

Additional Tips

For a deeper cinnamon flavor, you can swirl a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking. If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough. Always taste your glaze and adjust with a pinch of salt or extra vanilla for balance.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters, and a beautiful biscuit is a joy to behold. Arrange them in a circle on a rustic wooden board and drizzle glaze in a crisscross pattern. Add a small dish of raisins or cinnamon sticks as garnish. If serving at brunch, stack them on a tiered tray with fresh berries for color.

Variations to Try

• Orange Glaze: Add orange zest and juice to the glaze for a citrus twist.
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Biscuits: Swap raisins for mini chocolate chips.
• Maple Glaze: Use maple syrup instead of milk in the glaze.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these biscuits vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and skip the egg wash.

Q2: Do I have to soak the raisins?

It’s optional but soaking plumps them up and adds juiciness.

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Cut the biscuits, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag for long-term storage.

Q4: Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but it will make the texture a bit denser. Try half whole wheat, half all-purpose.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just be sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet.

Q6: What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?

Use the rim of a drinking glass or cut into squares with a knife.

Q7: Can I skip the glaze?

Sure, but the glaze really enhances the overall flavor and presentation.

Q8: How do I reheat leftovers?

Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Q9: Can I add spices like nutmeg or cloves?

Yes, a pinch of either can add extra depth to the cinnamon flavor.

Q10: Why didn’t my biscuits rise?

It could be old baking powder or overmixed dough. Check freshness and use a light hand.

Conclusion

These cinnamon raisin biscuits are like a warm hug on a plate. With tender layers, pops of juicy raisins, and a sweet glaze that ties it all together, they’re a treat worth making again and again. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just need a cozy moment for yourself, trust me, you’re going to love this.

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