1. In an electric mixer, combine 1/4 cup water and yeast. Let sit until yeast is creamy, about 10 minutes. Add flour, powdered milk, sugar, salt, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and remaining water. Mix, using the paddle attachment, on low speed for 1 minute. Change to dough hook and mix on medium-low speed for 7 minutes. Or knead by hand, 15 or 20 minutes. Add raisins and mix on medium-low speed until dough is firm but not dry, 3 minutes.

2. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand into a ball. Place dough, smooth side up, in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.

3. Butter two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans generously and set aside. In a small bowl combine sugar and cinnamon and set aside. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and cut in half. Cover one piece of dough loosely with lightly oiled plastic wrap.

4. Press the other piece of dough into a 10-by-12-inch rectangle. Brush with half of the beaten egg, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar, and drizzle with half the butter. Rub the surface with the back of a spoon to blend butter and cinnamon sugar. Starting at a short end, roll up dough tightly and pinch together along crease. Roll the dough back and forth to make it cylindrical, and pinch the ends together. Transfer to a loaf pan, seam side down, and cover loosely with lightly oiled plastic wrap. Repeat process with second piece of dough. Let loaves rise in a warm place, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Thirty minutes before this final rise is completed, place a baking stone, if using, in the lower third of oven. Heat oven to 425 degrees.

5. Brush tops of loaves with egg white and sprinkle each loaf with 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar. Bake 15 minutes; lower oven to 400 degrees and bake 15 minutes more. Remove from oven; cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.