If there’s one breakfast treat that feels like a cozy hug straight from the oven, it’s Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits. Imagine the irresistible aroma of cinnamon swirling with rich, buttery warmth as these fluffy biscuits bubble up in a pool of golden melted butter. They’re crisp on the edges, delightfully soft inside, and each tender bite is studded with juicy raisins. It’s the kind of recipe that turns any morning into a special occasion, and you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up from scratch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits comes from a handful of pantry staples. Every ingredient matters, working together to give these biscuits their fabulous texture, flavor, and that mouthwatering color as they bake up in buttery bliss.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for tender, fluffy biscuits; don’t substitute or your texture will change.
- Baking powder: Provides all the lift so your biscuits turn out sky-high and soft.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the cinnamon and raisins without overpowering them.
- Salt: Balances flavors and sharpens the sweetness; don’t skip it!
- Ground cinnamon: The soulful spice here, adding warmth and lovely aroma in every bite.
- Raisins: Volunteers juicy pops of sweetness, making every biscuit completely irresistible.
- Buttermilk: Tangy buttermilk brings tenderness and that signature Southern taste to the biscuits.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The star of the “swim,” giving the edges their crispy, golden finish and rich flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisking together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. This not only gets everything evenly distributed, but the whisking adds a bit of lightness so your biscuits puff up beautifully. Don’t rush this step — a well-mixed base means consistent flavor throughout every square.
Step 2: Fold in Raisins
Next, sprinkle in your raisins and give them a quick stir to make sure they’re evenly dispersed. This little step prevents the raisins from clumping up and ensures that every single biscuit gets plenty of sweet, chewy bites — trust me, nobody wants a raisinless corner!
Step 3: Add Buttermilk and Stir
Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir everything together. You’re looking for a thick, shaggy dough — don’t overmix, or your biscuits could turn tough instead of fluffy. It’s absolutely fine if you see a few streaks of flour; they’ll work themselves out during baking.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Before the dough goes in, pour all that luscious melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Tip the pan to make sure every corner is awash in butter. This is the signature “swim” — it’s what gives Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits their toasty, crisp bottoms and golden, buttery edges.
Step 5: Assemble and Score the Biscuits
Carefully spoon your biscuit batter over the butter, then gently spread it out to the edges with a spatula so it’s in an even layer. Using a sharp knife or spatula, lightly score the dough into 9 equal squares. These guidelines not only make serving easier but also encourage the biscuits to bake up into beautiful, golden squares.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking dish into a preheated 450°F (230°C) oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. The tops will turn a gorgeous golden brown, and your whole kitchen will smell like a bakery. To double-check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean. Let the biscuits cool just a bit (the aroma will tempt you!) and then serve warm for the best experience imaginable.
How to Serve Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits
Garnishes
Let your biscuits shine with a little finishing touch. Drizzle each warm square with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a sweet bakery-style finish. If you’d like something lighter, a fine dusting of cinnamon-sugar or a sprinkle of extra raisins over the top adds instant visual appeal and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits with creamy scrambled eggs, thick Greek yogurt, or a generous spoonful of your favorite fruit preserves. For a truly Southern-inspired breakfast, serve them alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory-and-sweet combo that makes everyone happy.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, slice the squares in half and tuck in a swipe of honey butter or cream cheese. Or, serve with a breakfast board of fresh berries, toasted pecans, and mini jars of jam. They even work beautifully as the base for unique breakfast sandwiches — just add sliced ham, cheddar, and apple for a twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, store cooled Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay moist and flavorful, thanks to all that butter worked into every bite.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these biscuits! Once cooled, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap or foil, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months — just be sure to label and date your stash for easy grab-and-go treats later.
Reheating
For best results, reheat biscuits in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, which crisps them back up on the outside. In a pinch, the microwave works too: 15–20 seconds should do the trick, though they’ll be a bit softer — delicious either way!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can swap in up to half whole wheat flour if you like, but going all the way may make the biscuits a bit dense. The texture is best with at least half all-purpose flour to keep things light and fluffy.
What’s the difference between Butter Swim Biscuits and traditional biscuits?
The magic of Butter Swim Biscuits is in their unique “bath” of melted butter — they bake up crispier on the outside and extra moist inside, all without cutting in cold butter like you would for traditional biscuits.
Can I use dried cranberries or golden raisins?
Absolutely! Golden raisins add a mellow sweetness, and dried cranberries bring a tangy pop. Both are fantastic stand-ins (or additions) for classic raisins.
Do Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits work as a dessert?
Definitely! Warm them up and serve with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey for a rustic spin on bread pudding or cobbler. The cinnamon pairs beautifully with creamy desserts.
How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?
Look for deeply golden tops and edges, and test the center with a toothpick — it should come out clean. Biscuits will also look set and pull away slightly from the edge of the pan when ready.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll make these Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits part of your next cozy breakfast or brunch. They’re the kind of treat that brings everyone to the kitchen with smiles, and there’s just something magical about that cinnamon-raisin-and-butter combo. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a family favorite — these biscuits are really that special. Give them a try and enjoy every gooey, golden bite!
Print
Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits are a delightful twist on classic biscuits, with a buttery, cinnamon-infused batter and sweet raisins baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in raisins.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in buttermilk and stir just until combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Assemble Biscuits: Spoon biscuit batter over the butter and spread evenly. Score the dough into 9 squares.
- Bake: Bake for 25–28 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- For added sweetness, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze.
- Golden raisins or dried cranberries can be used in place of regular raisins.
- Best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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