Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the dough

- Stir the warm milk, yeast and a teaspoon of the sugar together in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, flour, salt, cardamom, egg and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes (or 6 minutes with a dough hook) until smooth, soft and slightly tacky.

- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling

- While the dough rises, soak the raisins in the hot water for 10 minutes, then drain well and pat dry. In a small bowl, mix the soft butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and pinch of salt into a spreadable paste.
- Shape and bake

- Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle about 16 x 12 inches (40 x 30 cm). Spread the cinnamon butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1 cm border on one long edge. Scatter the raisins over the top and press them in gently.
- Starting from the long edge with the filling to the edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log and pinch the seam closed. Trim the ends, then cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

- Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes, until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until golden brown on top and the centers are cooked through (an instant-read thermometer should read about 90°C / 195°F). Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

- Glaze and serve
- Whisk the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth, adding a few drops more milk if too thick. Drizzle over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Video
Notes
Make ahead: After shaping, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight (up to 16 hours). Let the rolls sit at room temperature for 45 minutes before baking.
Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm for 15 to 20 seconds in the microwave before serving.
Tips: Soaking the kismis prevents them from drawing moisture out of the dough and burning. Unflavored dental floss gives the cleanest cuts without squashing the swirls. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk and vegan butter. Add 1/4 cup chopped toasted cashews or almonds to the filling for crunch.
Nutrition per roll
Calories 285 kcal
Carbohydrates 47 g
Protein 5 g
Fat 9 g
Saturated fat 5 g
Cholesterol 37 mg
Sodium 150 mg
Potassium 135 mg
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 21 g
