1egg yolkOptional. Used to make an optional egg wash. See recipe notes below for more details.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Either grease with a loaf pan with butter or cover it with parchment paper.
Yeast
Warm milk (110-120º Fahrenheit). Add yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar into a tall glass and add the warm milk. Whisk until well combined. Cover the glass with a dish towel and set it aside until the mixture has a frothy top. About 15 minutes.
Dough
Add flour, egg, sugar, and salt to a large bowl. Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the dough. Gradually add the softened butter to the dough.
Cover the bowl with a dish dowl and store it in a warm place (or place it in your oven and choose the PROOF setting). Rest until the dough has at least doubled in size. About 45-60 minutes.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Fold the raisins into the dough and shape it into a loaf. Transfer into a loaf pan.
Egg Wash (optional)
Whisk egg yolk and 1-2 teaspoons of water. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash. And place the loaf pan into the oven.
Bake
Bake for 35 minutes at 350º Fahrenheit. Remove the pan from the loaf
Notes
EGG WASH - The eggwash is optional. If you don't want to add an egg wash, you will only need 1 egg.Here are some other options: Egg Yolk + water (1-2 teaspoons): Adds a rich golden brown crust with a gorgeous shine. Egg White: Adds a light shine without the deep rich coloring. Milk only (milk wash): Adds a matt sheen and crispy crust. Plain (no wash): You'll have a crisp crust with a matt finish. STAND MIXER - This is a great recipe for a stand mixer. But if you don't have one, use a hand mixer. Either way, make sure you are using a dough hook attachment. LOAF PAN - You can grease the loaf pan or cut parchment paper to size.