Warm and Fluffy Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits Recipe with Sweet Glaze

There’s something special about the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. These fluffy, tender Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits are a heartwarming breakfast or afternoon treat that you’ll want to make over and over. The soft biscuits are studded with plump raisins and spiced with cinnamon, topped with a sweet glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

This recipe is inspired by one I discovered over at Insanely Good Recipes, and I just had to share it with you! These biscuits are not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful, making them the best addition to your weekend baking lineup.

A Little Backstory

I’ve always loved biscuits, but the combination of cinnamon and raisins in this recipe brings them to another level. It reminds me of cool mornings when my grandmother would bake cinnamon rolls, filling the house with warmth and sweetness. The convenience of a biscuit form makes this recipe an excellent choice when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to commit to a full batch of cinnamon rolls. Plus, the drizzle of glaze gives them a lovely, bakery-style finish.

Cultural Origins & Fun Facts

Biscuits have long been a beloved staple in American Southern cuisine, traditionally served with savory meals like fried chicken or sausage gravy. However, sweet variations like these Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits add a delightful twist to this classic comfort food. The raisins bring a burst of natural sweetness, and the cinnamon provides warmth—both flavors often associated with fall and winter, making this recipe a cozy seasonal favorite.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Biscuits:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup vegetable shortening
• 2⁄3 cup raisins
• 1 cup buttermilk (+ more as needed)

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cut in the Shortening: Using a pastry blender or fork, cut the vegetable shortening into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.
4. Add the Raisins and Buttermilk: Stir in the raisins and gradually mix in the buttermilk. If the dough feels too dry, add a bit more buttermilk until the dough is moistened.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 3/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut the Biscuits: Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter (or mini cutter for smaller biscuits) to cut out the dough. When cutting, avoid twisting the cutter for the best rise.
7. Bake: Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet. For 3-inch biscuits, bake for 10-15 minutes. Mini biscuits will bake in 6-8 minutes. The biscuits will have a golden-brown color, especially with the cinnamon.
8. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, vegetable oil (if using), and cinnamon (if using). Mix until smooth.
9. Glaze the Biscuits: Drizzle the glaze over the hot biscuits or dip the tops of the biscuits into the glaze. For a thicker glaze, repeat the process.

Pro Tips:

• Plump Those Raisins: Soak the raisins in hot water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough. This will make them extra juicy and soft.
• Keep it Cold: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the shortening and buttermilk, are cold. This will help the biscuits achieve a flaky texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the dough just until combined to keep the biscuits light and tender.

Variations and Dietary Options:

If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to different dietary needs:

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the buttermilk with almond or oat milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice.
• Whole Wheat Option: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add a bit more fiber and a heartier texture.
• Extra Cinnamon Flavor: If you’re a true cinnamon lover, feel free to add a little extra cinnamon to both the biscuit dough and the glaze for a more intense flavor.

Pairings and Suggestions:

These Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits are perfect on their own, but for a fuller breakfast spread, pair them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fruit salad for a balance of savory and sweet. They also make a great snack with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?

If you loved these Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits, be sure to try them out and share your thoughts! I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Don’t forget to follow me for more tasty homemade recipes like this one!

This delicious recipe is sure to be a hit in your kitchen, and I’m so glad I came across it on Insanely Good Recipes. Happy baking!