Introduction to Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits

Cinnamon raisin biscuits are a timeless breakfast treat, offering a perfect combination of sweetness, spice, and flakiness. These biscuits, often enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea, are a staple in many bakeries and kitchens across the world. They bring a comforting sense of warmth and indulgence, making them ideal for any morning meal or snack.

One of the most popular versions of cinnamon raisin biscuits was sold by Hardee’s, a fast food chain known for its hearty breakfast offerings. Hardee’s cinnamon raisin biscuits were particularly loved for their soft, buttery texture, complemented by the sweetness of raisins and a hint of cinnamon. Unfortunately, Hardee’s made the decision to discontinue these biscuits, leaving many fans longing for that unique flavor.

If you’re one of those loyal customers who misses Hardee’s cinnamon raisin biscuits, don’t worry! You can recreate a version that might even be better than Hardee’s with a few simple ingredients and steps.

To help you along the way, take a look at Southern Living’s Cinnamon-Raisin Biscuits Recipe for a great starting point.

The Decline of Hardee’s Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits

The discontinuation of Hardee’s cinnamon raisin biscuits sparked a wave of disappointment among their customers. For years, these biscuits had been a reliable breakfast option, and many people felt that they offered the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. But, like many menu items at fast food chains, Hardee’s decided to discontinue the product to make room for newer offerings.

While the reasons for the discontinuation remain unclear, it is likely that Hardee’s was looking to streamline their menu and reduce operational costs. Despite this change, the loyal fanbase that had fallen in love with the cinnamon raisin biscuits was left searching for alternatives. This led many to consider recreating the dish at home, where they could control the ingredients and enjoy an even fresher version.

In response to this void, many home bakers began crafting their own recipes, and you don’t need to look far to find a multitude of cinnamon raisin biscuit recipes online. For instance, Betty Crocker’s Glazed Raisin-Cinnamon Biscuits offer an easy-to-follow alternative that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Benefits of Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits

There are several key advantages to making cinnamon raisin biscuits at home rather than purchasing them from a fast food restaurant like Hardee’s. Some of the main benefits include:

Control Over Ingredients: When making biscuits from scratch, you have full control over the quality and type of ingredients you use. This means you can avoid preservatives and artificial additives often found in store-bought biscuits.
Customization: Homemade cinnamon raisin biscuits can be easily customized to your taste. You can adjust the sweetness, spice levels, and even the type of fruit used. For instance, if you’re not a fan of raisins, you can swap them out for cranberries, currants, or even chocolate chips.
Cost-Effectiveness: Baking at home can be much more affordable than purchasing biscuits from a fast food chain, especially if you already have many of the necessary ingredients in your pantry.
Freshness and Warmth: There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked biscuits. By making them at home, you can enjoy a warm, flaky treat that’s impossible to replicate with store-bought alternatives.
Healthier Options: Baking your own biscuits means you can experiment with healthier alternatives. You can use whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar content, or even use dairy-free ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Making your own version of Hardee’s cinnamon raisin biscuits gives you the opportunity to create something that is uniquely yours. The rich texture and spicy sweetness will remind you of the original, but with the added bonus of knowing exactly what’s in your biscuit.

Recipe and Preparation

Ingredients Needed

To make the perfect homemade cinnamon raisin biscuits, you will need the following ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cubed
3/4 cup of buttermilk
1/2 cup of raisins (or substitute dried cranberries or currants)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these steps to create your very own better-than-Hardee’s cinnamon raisin biscuits:

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in the raisins: Gently fold the raisins (or your chosen dried fruit) into the dough. Be careful not to crush them.
Shape the biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it to about 1-inch thickness and use a round biscuit cutter to cut out your biscuits.
Bake the biscuits: Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Optional glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the baked biscuits.

Tips for Perfect Biscuits

Achieving the perfect flaky and tender biscuit comes down to a few key tips:

Use cold butter: The cold butter creates steam as it bakes, which leads to a light, flaky texture. Do not let the butter soften before incorporating it into the dough.
Do not overwork the dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to dense biscuits, so handle it as little as possible.
Chill the dough: If you have time, let the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps improve the biscuit’s texture.
Bake on a hot sheet: If you preheat your baking sheet, the biscuits will rise more quickly in the oven, creating a flakier result.

Creative Variations

While the classic cinnamon raisin combination is always a hit, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and additions. Here are some fun variations:

Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy element.
Switch the raisins: If you’re not a fan of raisins, substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Spice it up: While cinnamon is the primary spice, you can experiment with adding nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Your freshly baked cinnamon raisin biscuits can be served in a variety of ways:

With a beverage: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast.
With spreads: Serve with whipped cream cheese, honey butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.
As a side: These biscuits pair wonderfully with a side of scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad.

Nutritional Information and Storage

Nutritional Breakdown

Each homemade cinnamon raisin biscuit provides roughly:

200–250 calories
10–15g of carbohydrates
7–10g of fat
2–3g of protein

If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can swap out some ingredients, like using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour or reducing the sugar content. Consider substituting butter with Greek yogurt or a plant-based butter for a lighter option.

Storage and Shelf Life

To store your cinnamon raisin biscuits, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the biscuits for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes.

Conclusion

Making your own better-than-Hardee’s cinnamon raisin biscuits is not only a fun and rewarding baking project, but it also allows you to enjoy a fresher, customizable version of this beloved treat. Whether you follow the classic recipe or add your own twist with ingredients like nuts or dried fruit, the result will be a deliciously flaky and sweet biscuit that’s sure to rival anything you’ve had before.

Better Than Hardees Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 biscuits 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic breakfast treat featuring a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and flakiness. Perfect with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix in buttermilk and vanilla extract until just combined.
Gently fold in raisins.
Roll dough to 1-inch thickness and cut biscuits.
Place biscuits on baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk.

Notes

Use cold butter for flakier biscuits. Avoid overmixing for a tender texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 biscuit
Calories: 220
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: biscuits, cinnamon, raisin, breakfast, baked