Soft Raisin Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• • For the Dough:
    • • Egg: 1 large
    • • Sugar: 5 tablespoons
      • Warm milk: 300 ml
      • Yeast: 7 grams (1 heaped tablespoon)
    • • Vegetable or olive oil: 50 ml (3.5 tablespoons)
      • Flour: 650 grams (4 cups, measured with a 250 ml cup)
      • Salt: 1/3 teaspoon

  • For Greasing:
    • Oil: 1/2 teaspoon

• • For Topping:
    • • Raisins: As desired for decoration
      • Egg yolk: 1
      • Milk: 1 tablespoon

  • Optional Garnish:
    • Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Steps to Make Soft Raisin Bread

1. Prepare the Dough

1. 1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly.
   2. Add sugar and warm milk, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
   3. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures the yeast is activated.

1. Add the vegetable or olive oil, mixing thoroughly.
2. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, stirring until the dough starts to come together.

2. Knead and Rest

1. 1. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

1. Grease a large bowl with 1/2 teaspoon of oil, place the dough inside, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Let the dough rest for 50 minutes in a warm place until it doubles in size.

3. Shape the Dough

1. 1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles.

1. Divide it into 12 equal parts and shape each into a round ball.
2. Let the dough balls rest on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray for another 10 minutes.

4. Add Raisins and Rest Again

1. 1. Decorate each dough ball with raisins, pressing them gently into the surface.

1. Allow the decorated dough to rest for a final 10 minutes before baking.

5. Bake

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 200℃ (392℉).
   2. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush this mixture over the surface of the dough balls to achieve a golden, glossy finish.

1. Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes or until they turn a rich golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve

1. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
2. If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness before serving.