Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns are one of those delightful treats that sing with warmth and nostalgia. Soft, pillowy buns filled with sweet California raisins and gently spiced with cinnamon, they make every bite feel special. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the experience of this traditional bread baked in a home kitchen, filling it with the inviting aroma of fresh bread. Whether you’re gathering around the table on Easter morning or simply treating yourself on a chilly afternoon, these buns are a fantastic way to spread joy.
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I still remember the first time I whipped up a batch of these tasty morsels. My kitchen was transformed into a haven of sweetness and delectable scents. Making these buns isn’t nearly as daunting as it may seem, and the pleasure derived from sharing them with family and friends makes the effort truly worthwhile. Each bite of the Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls) offers a little piece of heaven, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 120 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy homemade buns without a fuss.
- Irresistible Flavor: These buns are fragrant with cinnamon and bursting with sweet raisins, creating a deliciously comforting experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The piped icing crosses make for a visually stunning presentation that impresses everyone.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat with tea, these buns are a delightful addition to any occasion.
- Make-Ahead Wonder: Prepare the dough in advance, making holiday hosting a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup milk: Warm this milk to activate the yeast, helping your buns to rise beautifully. You can use almond or oat milk for a non-dairy option.
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast: This is essential for that fluffy texture. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
- 1 tsp white sugar: The sugar helps to feed the yeast and aids in browning the buns.
- 2 eggs: Use large eggs, and make sure they’re at room temperature for an even batter.
- 1/4 cup water: A slight addition to help adjust consistency; use lukewarm water for best results.
- Pinch of salt: This balances the sweetness of the dough, enhancing overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture. You can substitute it with coconut oil if dairy-free.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives the buns a warm, inviting aroma.
- 3 cups all purpose white flour: The main structure of the bun. You may need more or less depending on humidity in your kitchen, so have extra on hand.
- 1/2 cup California raisins: Adds natural sweetness and a delightful chewiness; feel free to swap with currants or chopped dried apricots for a twist.
- Oil for brushing bowl: Prevents the dough from sticking as it rises.
- 1 egg, beaten: This egg wash gives the buns a beautiful golden-brown color.
- 1 tbsp water: Mix with the egg for the wash.
- 3 tbsp icing sugar: Used to make a sweet cross on top of the buns, adding a final touch of sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Mix Yeast and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk, 2 tbsp active dry yeast, and 1 tsp white sugar. Stir it well and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Add in 2 eggs, 1/4 cup lukewarm water, pinch of salt, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon into the yeast mixture, blending these ingredients until they are perfectly combined.
Create the Dough: Gradually add 3 cups all-purpose white flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough ball forms. It should be slightly sticky but not overly wet — adjust flour as necessary.
Incorporate Raisins: Gently fold in 1/2 cup California raisins until they’re dispersed throughout the dough evenly. This adds a sweet burst with every bite.
First Rise: Lightly brush a bowl with oil, place your dough ball inside, and cover it with a clean, moist towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 90 minutes until it has doubled in size and is fluffy.
Shape the Buns: After the dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently. Divide the dough into 9 large or 12 smaller balls, shaping them gently. Place the formed dough on a baking pan lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart to allow for rising.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. As it heats, cover the buns again with the moist towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until noticeably puffy.
Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg mixed with 1 tbsp water. This not only adds shine but encourages an appealing golden hue when baked.
Bake the Buns: Pop the buns in the oven and bake them for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and they emit a tantalizing aroma.
Prepare Icing: While they cool, mix 3 tbsp icing sugar with just enough water to create a piping consistency (not too runny!). Spoon this into a piping bag for decoration.
Decorate and Serve: Once the buns have completely cooled, and they should be a lovely golden shade, pipe a cross on each bun using your icing. Serve warm with a pat of butter, and enjoy the exquisite flavors!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to extend their life, pop them into the fridge where they’ll last for about five days. To freeze, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes, bringing back their lovely softness. They may become slightly denser if frozen, but a bit of warmth will refresh their delightful texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To avoid dense buns, ensure your yeast is fresh and properly foamed before combining.
- For light and airy texture, use room temperature eggs and melted butter, allowing for better blending.
- If the dough feels too sticky while mixing, sprinkle in small increments of flour until you reach the perfect consistency.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like nutmeg or a touch of vanilla extract into the dough.
- You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight to be baked the next day for maximum convenience.
Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls) are ideal for sharing, gathering, or simply enjoying by yourself. Making them at home allows for a comforting ritual that’s interlaced with aromatic spices and the sweetness of dried fruit. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or presentation; these buns are a canvas for creativity! So, bake a batch, enjoy the deliciousness, and share them with loved ones. Happy baking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you choose to use instant yeast, simply mix it directly into the dry ingredients without activating it in water. This saves you a bit of time while still yielding fluffy buns.
How can I make these buns dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. These adjustments will still preserve the delicious taste you love.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast or the environment being too cold. You can place the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turn it on for a minute, then turn it off) or in a sunny spot to help it rise.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Certainly! You can assemble the dough and shape the buns, then refrigerate them overnight. The next day, simply let them rise slightly before baking them fresh!
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📖 Recipe Card
Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 buns 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns are a delightful treat featuring a soft, sweet dough enriched with milk and butter, filled with delicious raisins and a touch of cinnamon. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 3 cups all purpose white flour (you may need more or less depending on how dry your kitchen is)
- 1/2 cup california raisins
- oil for brushing bowl
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp icing sugar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warmed milk, yeast, and sugar, and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in eggs, water, salt, butter, and cinnamon into the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a dough ball forms.
- Fold in the raisins.
- Oily the bowl lightly and let the dough rise covered with a moist towel for 90 minutes in a warm spot.
- After rising, divide the dough into 9 large or 12 smaller balls and place them on a baking pan.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Allow the dough balls to rise for another 30 minutes, covering them again with a moist towel.
- Brush the tops of the buns with egg wash.
- Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Combine water and icing sugar until thickened, and fill a piping bag.
- Once cooled, pipe a cross onto each bun.
- Serve warm with butter.
Notes
Ensure the milk is warm but not boiling to activate the yeast effectively.
The dough can be prepared ahead of time and frozen after forming the buns for later baking.
If you want a sweeter icing, adjust the icing sugar to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
