Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits are a cozy, sweet twist on the beloved classic butter swim biscuit. Loaded with warm cinnamon, plump raisins, and baked in a pool of melted butter, these biscuits develop a golden crust and soft, fluffy interior. Finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—simple to make and irresistibly indulgent.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

2½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups (490 g) buttermilk, room temperature
¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (145 g) raisins, divided
½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 450°F (232°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together buttermilk, brown sugar, and cinnamon until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Combine & Add Raisins: Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Fold in ¾ cup of the raisins.
Add to Baking Dish: Pour melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Spoon the biscuit dough evenly over the butter and gently spread to edges.
Top & Score: Sprinkle reserved ¼ cup raisins over top. Score the dough into 9 squares using a butter knife.
Bake: Bake for 28–30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Make Glaze: While baking, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Add more milk ½ tsp at a time if needed for pourable consistency.
Finish & Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm biscuits. Let sit 5 minutes, then cut and serve.

Nutrients (Per Biscuit – Estimated, 9 Servings)

Calories: 412 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~58g
Protein: ~5g
Fat: ~18g
Sugar: ~24g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~250mg

A Sweet Spin on a Southern Classic

The butter swim biscuit has gained popularity for its no-fuss technique and exceptional texture. Unlike traditional cut-out biscuits that require chilling, folding, and precise handling, swim biscuits are drop-style—made by simply mixing, pouring, and baking. The unique step of baking the dough in a pool of butter ensures an incredibly moist and tender crumb with a crisp, golden exterior.

In this variation, cinnamon and brown sugar infuse the dough with warmth and subtle sweetness, while raisins add chewy contrast and nostalgic flavor. The result is similar to a cinnamon roll, biscuit, and scone all wrapped into one—simple to make yet rich in taste and texture.

The Power of Cinnamon and Raisins

Cinnamon and raisins are a timeless pairing that instantly evokes feelings of comfort. Cinnamon adds an aromatic, warming spice that pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter and the tang of buttermilk. It also enhances the sweetness of the brown sugar without overpowering the dish. Raisins, meanwhile, contribute natural sweetness and a pleasing chewiness that balances the soft, fluffy biscuit dough.

For those who grew up enjoying cinnamon raisin toast, these biscuits offer a familiar flavor experience in a much more indulgent format. The raisins plump up as they bake, becoming tender and flavorful, while the cinnamon adds a spiced depth that elevates the entire dish.

You can even experiment by substituting golden raisins for a slightly different sweetness or using dried cranberries for a tart variation. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a spicier profile during the colder months.

Why Buttermilk Matters

Buttermilk plays a key role in this recipe—not only for its tangy flavor but for how it interacts with the baking powder to produce an exceptionally fluffy biscuit. Its acidity helps tenderize the flour, resulting in a soft texture that contrasts wonderfully with the crisp, buttery crust.

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by combining regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for a few minutes. This will provide a similar tang and help maintain the rise and texture of the finished biscuits.

The combination of buttermilk, brown sugar, and cinnamon gives the dough a subtle complexity and richness that standard milk or cream would struggle to match.

An Effortless Baking Method with Impressive Results

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how little effort it takes to achieve bakery-level results. There’s no kneading or rolling involved. The dough comes together quickly in a bowl, gets poured directly into a buttered baking dish, and is scored into squares before baking. This scoring technique allows for even baking and easy separation once out of the oven.

As the biscuits bake, the butter bubbles up around the edges, helping to crisp the sides and bottom while keeping the center tender and moist. When you pull the dish from the oven, you’re met with a golden, rustic-looking pan of bubbling, sweet-smelling biscuits ready to be finished with glaze.

This approach is ideal for beginners or anyone who wants to whip up a special breakfast without the hassle of traditional pastry-making.

Finishing with Vanilla Glaze: The Sweetest Touch

The vanilla glaze is the crowning glory of these biscuits. Poured while the biscuits are still warm, it seeps into the cracks and crevices, creating an irresistible layer of sweetness that complements the buttery richness and balances the spice of the cinnamon. The glaze is simple—just confectioners’ sugar and milk with a touch of vanilla—but it transforms the entire dish.

It also makes the biscuits look polished and inviting, with a glossy finish that hints at the soft sweetness within. You can keep it light and drizzly for a delicate touch or add a bit more milk to thin it out for full coverage. Add-ins like maple extract or a dash of cinnamon can offer additional flavor depth depending on the season or your taste preference.

Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert

These Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits are incredibly versatile. Their sweetness and soft texture make them a standout for breakfast or brunch, especially when served warm with coffee or tea. They’re just sweet enough to double as a dessert—especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday breakfast, looking for a weekend brunch centerpiece, or simply want a cozy afternoon treat, these biscuits are always a hit. They’re also easy to transport and reheat, making them a great make-ahead option for potlucks, bake sales, or gifts.

For a savory twist, you can even pair them with salty breakfast meats like bacon or sausage—creating a sweet and savory balance that’s sure to satisfy a wide range of tastes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These biscuits are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, but they store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop a biscuit in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until heated through.

The dough can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a day before baking. You can even assemble the full dish, cover it tightly, and bake it the next morning—perfect for brunch prep or early weekday mornings.

The glaze can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, then warmed gently before drizzling over the biscuits for that fresh-baked feel.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Raisin Butter Swim Biscuits are everything you want from a homemade baked good—comforting, flavorful, easy to make, and a little bit indulgent. They take the humble biscuit and elevate it with warming spices, tender raisins, and a rich vanilla glaze, all baked into a buttery crust that’s impossible to resist.

Their rustic charm and familiar flavor profile make them a welcome addition to any table, from laid-back breakfasts to elegant brunches or cozy desserts. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, this recipe proves that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. It just has to be delicious.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these biscuits offer a rewarding, mouthwatering experience from the first stir to the final bite. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a cherished part of your baking rotation.