Description
This easy cinnamon raisin biscuits recipe creates a warm, sweet, and comforting treat with golden edges and a molten brown sugar swirl. Perfect for busy mornings or a cozy weekend, these fluffy biscuits promise delicious results and happy smiles for your family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.75 cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp (15 g) baking powder
- 0.5 tsp (2.5 g) baking soda
- 0.5 tsp (2.5 g) fine sea salt
- 0.25 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 0.5 tsp (2.5 g) ground cardamom, divided
- 0.5 cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 0.75 cup (120 g) raisins
- Zest of 1 medium orange
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold buttermilk
- 1 tsp (5 ml) alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup packed (100 g) light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp (7 g) ground cinnamon (for swirl)
- 1 tbsp (15 g) melted butter (for swirl)
- 0.5 cup (50 g) powdered sugar (for drizzle)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) whole milk (for drizzle)
- 0.25 tsp (1.25 g) ground cinnamon (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat oven to 395°F (200°C); line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and 0.25 tsp (1.25 g) ground cardamom in a large bowl until well combined.
- Cut Butter & Add Raisins: Add 0.5 cup (115 g) cold butter cubes to dry ingredients; cut butter into flour using fingertips or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces form. Stir in 0.75 cup (120 g) raisins and orange zest until evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, mix 1 cup (240 ml) cold buttermilk and 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract. Pour this liquid into the flour mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough will be slightly shaggy.
- Lightly Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured clean work surface. Gently knead 3-4 times, just enough to bring it together, then form it into a rough rectangle.
- Prepare Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 0.5 cup packed (100 g) light brown sugar, 1 tbsp (7 g) ground cinnamon, the remaining 0.25 tsp (1.25 g) ground cardamom, and 1 tbsp (15 g) melted butter; mix until it forms a thick, crumbly paste.
- Roll & Layer Dough: Roll dough into a rectangle approximately 12 inches x 8 inches (30 cm x 20 cm) and about 0.25 inch (0.75 cm) thick. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture over two-thirds of the dough, leaving one-third bare along a longer side.
- Fold & Cut Biscuits: Fold the bare third of dough over the middle section. Then, fold the remaining streuseled third over the top, creating three layers like folding a letter. Gently pat the folded dough down to about 0.75 inch (2 cm) thickness. Use a 2.5-inch (6 cm) round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. Re-roll scraps gently once to cut additional biscuits.
- Bake Biscuits: Place the cut biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between them. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the swirl appears molten and bubbly.
- Drizzle & Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While cooling, prepare the cinnamon drizzle by whisking together 0.5 cup (50 g) powdered sugar, 2 tbsp (30 ml) whole milk, and 0.25 tsp (1.25 g) ground cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle liberally over the warm biscuits for serving.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and unsweetened plant milk with a splash of vinegar. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure baking powder and soda are fresh for optimal rise. Avoid overmixing dough, using warm butter, or too much flour to ensure tender, flaky biscuits. Biscuits can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: cinnamon raisin, biscuits, easy, comforting, quick prep, homemade, breakfast, flaky, sweet treat, one-bowl