Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare Your Baking Environment
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Prepare your baking pan: use a regular baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Alternatively, a greased 9-10 inch cake pan, pie dish, or a 5-quart or larger greased/lined Dutch oven (baked with the lid off) all work well.
Mix the Dough
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the optional large egg, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
- Stir in the optional raisins, if using.
- Pour the buttermilk/egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the dough together with a sturdy spoon until it becomes too stiff to stir, being careful not to over-work it.
Shape and Score
- Turn the crumbly dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. With floured hands, carefully work the dough into a ball. Knead the dough for about 30 seconds, just until all the flour is moistened and the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it's manageable but still slightly shaggy.
- Transfer the shaped dough ball to your prepared skillet or pan.
- Using a very sharp knife or a bread lame, score the dough with a deep slash or an X, about 1/2 inch deep. This helps the center bake evenly and allows the bread to expand beautifully.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place your bread in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and the center appears cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil. For perfect doneness, the internal temperature should read 195°F (90°C) with an instant-read thermometer.
Apply the Honey-Butter Glaze (The Twist!)
- As soon as you remove the hot bread from the oven, generously brush the entire top with the melted butter mixed with honey and flaky sea salt. The heat from the bread will help absorb this delicious glaze.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. Serve warm, at room temperature, or toasted with your favorite toppings!
Nutrition
Notes
For best results, use very cold butter and spooned & leveled flour. Avoid overworking the dough. Score the top about 1/2 inch deep for even baking; internal temperature should reach 195°F (90°C). Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 1 week. Freeze for longer storage. High-altitude bakers may need slight adjustments to baking soda and liquid. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.