• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Valya's Taste of Home logo

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Shop
  • Work with Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • Disclosure
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Shop
  • Work with Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • Disclosure
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • Let's Connect

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home > Desserts > Muffins

    Raisin Muffins (Soft and Buttery)

    Published: May 3, 2024 · Modified: May 3, 2024 by Valya's Taste of Home · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

    325 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These raisin muffins are soft, buttery, studded with plump, juicy golden raisins, and feature golden-brown tops that are slightly crisp.

    This raisin muffin recipe has been in my family for generations.

    These home-baked raisin muffins are a family recipe that's been a favorite for years. Perfectly sweet and great with tea or coffee, these muffins are a comforting treat that's guaranteed to brighten up your day.

    If you love these muffins, you should also try my other delicious muffin recipes. My buttermilk muffins are a tangy treat, while my banana crumb muffins are a hit with the kids. And for a chocolatey twist, you can't go wrong with my chocolate zucchini muffins.

    These raisin muffins are soft, buttery, studded with plump, juicy golden raisins, and feature golden-brown tops that are slightly crisp.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Family Recipe: This raisin muffin recipe has been in my family for generations.
    • Classic Flavors: These muffins have the classic, comforting flavor of sweet, plump raisins and buttery, soft muffins.
    • Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a batch of delicious muffins ready in no time.
    • Comfort Food: There's nothing quite like warm, freshly baked muffins to comfort you on a cold day.

    Key Ingredients

    All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this raisin muffin recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

    For a full list of ingredients and quantities, please check the recipe card at the end of this post.

    • Golden Raisins: These will be the star of our raisin muffins, adding a sweet, plump, and slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, buttery muffin.
    • Eggs: The eggs will help bind the ingredients together and add structure to our muffins.
    • Sugar: This will sweeten our muffins, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
    • Buttermilk or Kefir: This will make our muffins incredibly moist and tender, and the slight tanginess will help balance out the sweetness.
    • Baking Soda: This will help our muffins rise and give them a light, fluffy texture.
    • Unsalted Butter: Used to add a rich, buttery flavor to our muffins. Make sure it's melted for easy incorporation into the batter.
    • Vanilla Extract: This will enhance the flavor of our muffins, giving them a warm, inviting aroma.
    • Sea Salt: A touch of salt will help to bring out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
    • All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our muffins, providing structure and a soft, tender crumb.
    Today I’m sharing a very dear recipe that I started making when I was still living in Ukraine and I was only about 10 years old. It is still our family favorite tea or coffee muffins. These Mini Golden Buttermilk Muffins become a quick favorite to those who try them as well.

    How to Make Raisin Muffins

    Making these incredible raisin muffins is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

    How to Make Raisin Muffin Batter

    Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425 F.

    Soak Raisins: Place raisins into a small bowl and fill it with hot water. Make sure that it covers the raisins by at least half an inch. Let the raisins soak for 10 minutes.

    Drain and Set Aside: After 10 minutes, drain the raisins, rinse them with water, and set them aside until you're ready to use them.

    Today I’m sharing a very dear recipe that I started making when I was still living in Ukraine and I was only about 10 years old. It is still our family favorite tea or coffee muffins. These Mini Golden Buttermilk Muffins become a quick favorite to those who try them as well.

    Make the Muffin Batter: The next step is to prepare the muffin batter. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together for 5 minutes at high speed.

    Add Buttermilk: Once done, reduce the mixing speed to low and add the buttermilk and the activated baking soda with vinegar.

    Today I’m sharing a very dear recipe that I started making when I was still living in Ukraine and I was only about 10 years old. It is still our family favorite tea or coffee muffins. These Mini Golden Buttermilk Muffins become a quick favorite to those who try them as well.

    Mix on Low: Mix the ingredients on low speed for about a minute, then add the remaining ingredients: melted butter, vanilla, and salt.

    Today I’m sharing a very dear recipe that I started making when I was still living in Ukraine and I was only about 10 years old. It is still our family favorite tea or coffee muffins. These Mini Golden Buttermilk Muffins become a quick favorite to those who try them as well.

    Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the flour to the mixture, one cup at a time. Once all the flour is incorporated, mix in the raisins. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

    Today I’m sharing a very dear recipe that I started making when I was still living in Ukraine and I was only about 10 years old. It is still our family favorite tea or coffee muffins. These Mini Golden Buttermilk Muffins become a quick favorite to those who try them as well.

    How to Bake Raisin Muffins

    Add Batter to Molds: Now it's time to bake the muffins. Grease metal muffin molds with melted butter and fill each mold about ¾ full with the muffin batter. 

    Bake Muffins: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake at 425 F for around 20 minutes or until the muffins are a light golden color.

    Cool the Muffins: Once the muffins are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the molds for 5 minutes. After this, you can remove the muffins from the molds and allow them to cool until they are warm to the touch.

    Today I’m sharing a very dear recipe that I started making when I was still living in Ukraine and I was only about 10 years old. It is still our family favorite tea or coffee muffins. These Mini Golden Buttermilk Muffins become a quick favorite to those who try them as well.

    Drench the Muffins with Powdered Sugar: This step adds a touch of sweetness to our raisin muffins. Fill a gallon-size ziploc bag with the warm muffins, about ¾ full. Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to the bag, then close it and shake the bag until all the muffins are coated with the sugar.

    Cool and Store the Muffins: Place the sugar-coated muffins on a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, store the muffins in a container with the lid slightly open. 

    These muffins have the classic, comforting flavor of sweet, plump raisins and buttery, soft muffins.

     For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

    Tips for Making the Best Raisin Muffins

    • Choose the Right Raisins: For this raisin muffin recipe, I recommend using golden raisins. They have a sweet and milder flavor compared to other types of raisins, which complements the muffins perfectly.
    • Soak the Raisins: Before adding them to the batter, soak the golden raisins in hot water for 10 minutes. This will plump them up and make them juicier, which adds a burst of sweetness to every bite.
    • Beat the Eggs and Sugar Well: Beat the eggs and sugar for 5 minutes on high mixing speed. This step is crucial as it adds air to the batter, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture for your muffins.
    • Don't Overmix the Batter: Once you've added the raisins, do not overmix the batter. Overmix can lead to tough muffins. Just mix until the raisins are evenly distributed.
    • Coat with Powdered Sugar: After the muffins have cooled, drench them with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet finish and also helps to keep the muffins moist. If you plan to freeze the muffins, do not coat them with powdered sugar.

    Serving Suggestions 

    • Looking for a delicious breakfast treat? Pair these raisin muffins with a generous spread of creamy butter or your favorite jam.
    • For a cozy afternoon snack, enjoy these raisin muffins with a hot cup of vanilla caramel latte.
    • If you're hosting a brunch, these raisin muffins make a wonderful addition to your spread. Serve them alongside fresh fruit and other breakfast favorites for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal.
    • For a kid-friendly option, these raisin muffins are perfect for packing in lunchboxes. The sweet and soft texture of the muffins is sure to be a hit with the little ones, and the golden raisins add a nutritious touch to their meal.

    Recipe Variation Ideas 

    This delicious raisin muffins recipe is perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

    • Spiced: If you're a fan of warm, cozy flavors, add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. The spices will complement the sweetness of the raisins and add a comforting twist to the muffins.
    • Nuts: Fold a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before adding the raisins. The nuts will add a satisfying crunch and flavor.
    • Extract: For a simple but effective variation, you can add a teaspoon of almond or any other extract to the batter.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I substitute the golden raisins with other types of dried fruit?

    Absolutely! While this recipe calls for golden raisins, you can easily substitute them with other types of dried fruit such as regular raisins, cranberries, or even chopped apricots. Just make sure to soak the substitute dried fruit if it's not as plump as golden raisins.

    What can I substitute for buttermilk or Kefir if I don't have any on hand?

    If you don't have buttermilk or Kefir, consider making your home at home. I've shared a quick and easy recipe to make buttermilk at home using pantry staples.

    Why do I need to soak the raisins before adding them to the batter?

    Soaking the raisins helps to plump them up and makes them juicier. This not only enhances the flavor of the raisins but also helps to keep them from drawing moisture from the muffin, which can make it dry. If you skip this step, your raisins may end up being dry and hard in the finished muffins.

    How to Store Leftovers

    • Storing: Once cooled, you can store the raisin muffins in a container with the lid cracked open, otherwise the powdered sugar will make and make the muffins moist. It's also another way I like having them so the choice is yours. They will keep for up to 5 days at room temperature.
    • Freezing: This raisin muffin recipe is a great make-ahead option. Simply place the cooled muffins in a sealed ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them completely covered in a container or ziploc bag before drenching them in powdered sugar.
    Perfectly sweet and great with tea or coffee, these muffins are a comforting treat that's guaranteed to brighten up your day.

    Similar Recipes You'll Love

    • Homemade Buttermilk Muffins (Perfect Breakfast Treat!)
    • The Best Banana Crumb Muffins Recipe (Beginner Friendly!)
    • Classic Blueberry Muffins (With Homemade Streusel Topping)

    See all muffin recipes.

    Recipe Card

    These raisin muffins are soft, buttery, studded with plump, juicy golden raisins, and feature golden-brown tops that are slightly crisp.

    Raisin Muffins (Soft and Buttery)

    Valya's Taste of Home
    These raisin muffins are soft, buttery, studded with plump, juicy golden raisins, and feature golden-brown tops that are slightly crisp.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    20 minutes mins
    Total Time 53 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Ukrainian
    Servings 12

    Ingredients
      

    For the Raisin Muffins

    • 2 ½ cups golden raisins
    • 6 medium eggs
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 cups buttermilk or Kefir
    • 1 tbsp. baking soda
    • 3 tsp. distilled vinegar
    • 8 oz. unsalted butter melted (plus 2 oz. for greasing metal molds)
    • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
    • ¼ tsp. salt
    • 5 cups all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup powdered sugar (for drenching the muffins)
    Read More

    Instructions
     

    • How to Make Raisin Muffin Batter
    • Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425 ℉.
    • Soak Raisins: Place raisins into a small bowl and fill it with hot water. Make sure that it covers the raisins by at least half an inch. Let the raisins soak for 10 minutes.
    • Drain and Set Aside: After 10 minutes, drain the raisins, rinse them with water, and set them aside until you're ready to use them.
    • Make the Muffin Batter: The next step is to prepare the muffin batter. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together for 5 minutes at high speed.
    • Add Buttermilk: Once done, reduce the mixing speed to low and add the buttermilk and the activated baking soda with vinegar.
    • Mix on Low: Mix the ingredients on low speed for about a minute, then add the remaining ingredients: melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
    • Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the flour to the mixture, one cup at a time. Once all the flour is incorporated, mix in the raisins. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

    How to Bake Raisin Muffins

    • Add Batter to Molds: Now it's time to bake the muffins. Grease metal muffin molds with melted butter and fill each mold about ¾ full with the muffin batter.
    • Bake Muffins: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake at 425 F for around 20 minutes or until the muffins are a light golden color.
    • Cool the Muffins: Once the muffins are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the molds for 5 minutes. After this, you can remove the muffins from the molds and allow them to cool until they are warm to the touch.
    • Drench the Muffins with Powdered Sugar: This step adds a touch of sweetness to our raisin muffins. Fill a gallon-size Ziploc bag with the warm muffins, about ¾ full. Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to the bag, then close it and shake the bag until all the muffins are coated with the sugar.
    • Cool and Store the Muffins: Place the sugar-coated muffins on a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, store the muffins in a container with the lid slightly open.

    Notes

    This is a great recipe to make ahead and freeze. Do not coat with powder sugar if planning to freeze them. Thaw them completely covered in a container or Ziploc bag before drenching in powdered sugar.
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo on Instagram @valyastasteofhome or tag #valyastasteofhome!
    LIKE FOLLOW

    Thank you for following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

    This recipe was originally posted on June 20, 2019(original picture below), and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.

    Today I’m sharing a very dear recipe that I started making when I was still living in Ukraine and I was only about 10 years old. It is still our family favorite tea or coffee muffins. These Mini Golden Buttermilk Muffins become a quick favorite to those who try them as well.

    More Muffins

    • Blueberry muffins are a classic breakfast treat that can brighten up any morning.
      Blueberry Muffins (With Delicious Streusel Topping)
    • We love a good muffin recipe, and these Apple Banana Muffins are no exception. They are incredibly soft, moist, and full of flavor.
      Apple Banana Muffins (with Cinnamon Topping)
    • These Strawberry Banana Muffins are unbelievably fluffy, delicious, and bursting with fresh bananas and strawberries.
      Strawberry Banana Muffins
    • These Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins are delicious, tender, and perfect for using up all that summer zucchini. They're also freezer-friendly, making them an awesome breakfast or snack.
      Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
    325 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ina says

      April 05, 2020 at 3:32 pm

      5 stars
      I made this recipe second time already but today I decided to just turn it into a bunt cake so save myself some time. I had to adjust the oven temperature and bake time but it turned out as delicious! Totally recommend!

      Reply
      • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

        April 07, 2020 at 10:07 pm

        What a great idea! Love it, and have to try it my self. Thank you for an amazing review!

        Reply
    2. Vera says

      October 07, 2019 at 10:33 pm

      Can I use walnuts instead of fruit

      Reply
      • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

        October 07, 2019 at 10:46 pm

        You may use anything you like! Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Ina says

      July 18, 2019 at 9:36 pm

      Oh these look so yummy! I wanted to make these for our upcoming big family camp and wanted to know how long in advance could these be made? (If you happen to know 😉)
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

        July 18, 2019 at 10:22 pm

        I have made them one week in advance many times. Once they've cooled place them into a gallon Ziploc bag and freeze (just don't coat the muffins with powdered sugar). Then before leaving to camp pack them frozen. Before serving add powdered sugar into the gallon bag, shake the muffins until they are well coated, and serve. It's that easy! Everyone absolutely loves them so much! I hope that was helpful 😉

        Reply
        • Ina says

          July 19, 2019 at 11:15 am

          Thank you so much for your timely response!

          Reply
          • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

            July 19, 2019 at 2:05 pm

            You're certainly very welcome! Enjoy the muffins! 🙂

            Reply
    5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Tried this recipe? Leave your review! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Meet the Author

    Valya with cake

    A food blogger, recipe developer, photographer, editor, and author behind Valya’s Taste of Home website. Sharing family-proven tasty recipes with step-by-step photos and videos. Read more...

    Footer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top ↑

    HOME · ABOUT · CONTACT · SHOP · PRIVACY POLICY

    SIGN UP! For Emails and Updates

    Valya's Taste of Home is a Participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program · Disclosure

    Copyright © 2025 Valya's Taste of Home LLC - All Rights Reserved

    325 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • LinkedIn
    • Email

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.