Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns are like a warm hug for your taste buds! Soft, slightly sweet, and filled with plump raisins, these tender rolls come adorned with a simple icing cross. Not only do they make an irresistible snack or breakfast treat, but their comforting aroma also fills your kitchen with the essence of cozy celebrations. Unlike store-bought versions, these homemade buns showcase a distinct freshness that elevates any holiday breakfast to something truly special. Make them ahead of time, and you’ll have a delightful addition to your Easter brunch spread or a wonderful snack for the family.
Table of Contents
The best part about these Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns is just how simple they are to whip up, even for beginner bakers. You’ll find that the process is satisfying, with minimal fuss involved. Plus, they look so impressive once baked and iced! With their inviting golden brown color and deliciously sweet aroma, these rolls are both beautiful and delicious. Whether you want them for a festive occasion, a cozy breakfast, or even as a delightful afternoon treat, you won’t be able to resist the enchanting smell as they bake. I’m genuinely excited for you to try making these yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe can be made in just 2 hours, making it an accessible baking option.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet raisins creates a taste that’s simply unforgettable.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The buns are adorned with a charming icing cross, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Flexible Serving: These rolls are great for breakfast, as a snack, or served at tea time.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfectly suited for preparing in advance, so you can enjoy freshly baked buns with minimal last-minute effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup milk: Warmed milk helps activate the yeast and create a rich, tender dough.
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast: This is essential for making the buns rise, leading to a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp white sugar: A little sugar nourishes the yeast for better rising.
- 2 eggs: Eggs enrich the dough, providing structure and moisture.
- 1/4 cup water: This helps to achieve the ideal dough consistency.
- Pinch of salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the buns.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: This warm spice infuses a delightful flavor into the dough.
- 3 cups all-purpose white flour: The main structure for the buns; you may need more or less depending on humidity.
- 1/2 cup California raisins: Sweet and chewy, they add bursts of flavor throughout the buns.
- Oil for brushing the bowl: Keeps the dough from sticking and helps it rise properly.
- 1 egg, beaten: This egg wash gives the buns a beautiful golden finish.
- 1 tbsp water: Used to adjust the consistency of the egg wash.
- 3 tbsp icing sugar: For drizzling on top, creating a lovely sweet finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, warm 1 cup of milk slightly—not hot—and combine it with 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of white sugar. Stir well and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nice and frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast is foamy, add 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of water, a pinch of salt, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
Add Flour: Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose white flour, one cup at a time. Stir gently until a soft dough ball forms. Don’t worry if your dough feels a bit sticky; you can add more flour until it’s manageable.
Incorporate Raisins: Fold in 1/2 cup of California raisins thoroughly into the dough. This ensures that each bun has sweet pockets of chewy goodness.
Let It Rise: Grease a bowl lightly with oil and place the dough inside, covering it with a moist towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. If your oven has a proof setting, this is the perfect time to use it.
Shape the Buns: After rising, gently punch the dough down to release some air. Divide it into 9 large pieces or 12 smaller pieces, rolling each into a ball. Arrange these on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Preheat the Oven: While the buns are resting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the buns bake evenly.
Second Rise: Cover the shaped buns with a moist towel and let them rise again for another 30 minutes. They should become puffy and plump, ready for baking.
Brush with Egg Wash: Before they go into the oven, brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg combined with 1 tablespoon of water. This gives them a beautiful golden color.
Bake: Place the buns in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and fragrant. You’ll want to see a lovely golden color around the edges.
Prepare Icing: In another bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of icing sugar with just enough water to make a thick icing. Put this icing in a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off.
Decorate: After the buns are baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, pipe a cross on each bun with the icing for that traditional look.
Serve: These delightful Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed fresh, maybe with a slather of butter or even on their own.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. For extended storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. You may notice a change in texture after freezing, but a quick reheat will refresh their delightful softness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot; otherwise, it may kill the yeast, preventing dough rise.
- Resist Over-kneading: Avoid overworking the dough; it should be soft and slightly tacky for the best texture.
- Raisin Alternatives: Feel free to substitute with dried cranberries or currants for a different flavor twist.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough the night before and place it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature and rise in the morning for freshly baked buns.
- Monitor Baking Time: Every oven varies, so keep an eye out for that golden color to avoid over-baking.
Freshly baked rolls filled with the warm spices of cinnamon are sure to evoke the spirit of Easter mornings. These delightful buns are not just a charming bake, but they invite opportunities for family bonding and cheerful memories.
Get creative with your fillings or simply enjoy them as they are. I can’t wait for you to savor these Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns, as they bring coziness and smiles all around!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these buns without raisins?
Absolutely! You can replace the raisins with dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or even nuts. Just ensure that whatever you use fits well with the warm cinnamon flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the buns?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar added to the dough. Alternatively, the icing sugar can be adjusted to taste when drizzling on top.
Can these buns be frozen?
Yes, they freeze very well! After cooling completely, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat them gently in the oven before serving.
Why are my buns dense?
A dense texture often results from not allowing the dough to rise long enough or not kneading the dough adequately. Always check for a double in size during the rising phase!
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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 must-try with their delightful flavor and simple preparation. Ideal for special gatherings, they are made with fresh ingredients like milk, eggs, and cinnamon, making them a comforting choice for any meal.
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
- 1/2 cup california raisins
- oil for brushing bowl
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp icing sugar
Instructions
- Warm the milk slightly and mix it with yeast and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it foams.
- Incorporate the eggs, water, salt, melted butter, and cinnamon into the yeast mixture and blend well.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a dough ball forms.
- Fold in the raisins to the dough mixture until evenly distributed.
- Grease a bowl with oil and place the dough inside to rise for 90 minutes in a warm area, covered with a damp towel.
- After rising, divide the dough into either 9 larger pieces or 12 smaller ones, and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Allow the shaped buns to rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a damp towel.
- Brush the tops of buns with the beaten egg wash.
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare icing by mixing water and icing sugar until thick, then transfer to a piping bag.
- Allow the buns to cool completely before piping a cross on each.
- Enjoy warm with butter.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of flour depending on your kitchen’s humidity level.
These buns can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
