Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Their tender, fluffy texture filled with sweet raisins and warm cinnamon spice makes them irresistible. Each bite brings that comforting combination of sweetness and spice, making them perfect for breakfast gatherings or festive occasions like Easter. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also fill your kitchen with the most delightful aroma; it’s truly a sensory experience.
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I first made these buns on a chilly spring morning, and they quickly became a beloved tradition. From the moment I pulled them from the oven and saw the golden, crusty tops, I was in love. The joy of piping the signature cross and drizzling them with icing turned them from simple rolls into an artistic statement. Trust me, once you try these Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls), they’ll become a go-to in your recipe repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 120 minutes of prep time, they’re easy to whip up.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sweet raisins creates a heavenly taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Their shiny egg-wash finish and piped crosses make them a showstopper.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack with coffee.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance for a hassle-free holiday feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup milk: Warm the milk to activate the yeast, creating a soft roll texture.
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast: Essential for rising; ensure it’s fresh for maximum fluffiness.
- 1 tsp white sugar: A pinch helps speed up yeast activation.
- 2 eggs: Needed for richness; use room temperature for the best mix.
- 1/4 cup water: This hydration helps create the dough structure.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the buns.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: A warm spice that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- 3 cups all-purpose white flour: Building block for the dough; adjust based on humidity.
- 1/2 cup California raisins: Sweet bursts of flavor that complement the cinnamon.
- Oil for brushing bowl: Keeps the dough from sticking as it rises.
- 1 egg, beaten: For an egg wash giving the buns a beautiful, glossy finish.
- 1 tbsp water: Mix with eggs for the egg wash consistency.
- 3 tbsp icing sugar: For a sweet drizzle on top of your buns.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Activate Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup warmed milk, 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of white sugar. Stir gently until combined, then let this sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial as it wakes up the yeast and ensures your buns rise wonderfully.
Mix Ingredients: Once the yeast is foamed, add 2 eggs, 1/4 cup water, a pinch of salt, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon into the mixture. This creates a rich, flavorful base for your dough.
Incorporate Flour: Gradually mix in 3 cups of all-purpose white flour, adding one cup at a time until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; feel free to add a little more flour if it’s too wet.
Add Raisins: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of California raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These sweet bites of flavor are what make the buns truly delightful.
Let Dough Rise: Brush a bowl with a little oil and place your dough inside, turning it to coat. Cover it with a moist towel and let it rise for about 90 minutes in a warm spot or use the proof setting on your oven. This step is where the magic happens!
Divide Dough: After your dough has risen and doubled in size, turn it onto a floured surface. Divide it into either 9 larger pieces or 12 smaller ones, shaping them into dough balls. Place these on a baking pan, ensuring they’re spaced a little apart.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it heats up, cover your shaped buns with a moist towel to rise for another 30 minutes. Patience is key here!
Brush with Egg Wash: After the second rise, gently brush the tops of the buns with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water. This gives them that beautiful, glossy finish.
Bake Buns: Pop your pan in the preheated oven and bake the buns for about 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown on the edges. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be enticing!
Prepare Icing: While the buns cool, mix 3 tablespoons of icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of water until it reaches a thick glaze-like consistency. Transfer this icing to a piping bag for easy decorating.
Decorate: Allow the buns to cool completely on a wire rack before piping a cross on each with the icing. This final touch not only looks charming but adds a hint of sweetness too.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns with a pat of butter, and enjoy this delightful treat fresh out of the oven or as a lingering memory of Easter gatherings.
Storing & Reheating
To store your buns, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, wrap the cooled buns tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. They might not be just as fluffy after freezing, but a bit of warmth will breathe life back into them.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- When mixing the yeast with milk, make sure it’s warm but not hot; too high of a temperature can kill the yeast.
- Use room temperature eggs for smooth incorporation into the dough.
- If your dough seems too sticky while kneading, sprinkle a bit more flour but avoid overdoing it for the best texture.
- For extra flavor, try adding a touch more cinnamon or even nutmeg to the dough mixture.
- These buns can also be made ahead and frozen before baking; just let them thaw and rise before baking for fresh-out-of-the-oven treats.
- Experiment with different dried fruits like currants or cranberries for a fun twist.
These Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls) are not just a recipe; they’re a comforting ritual that brings people together. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging yourself, they’re sure to fill your heart with warmth and joy. Dive into these delightful buns, and who knows? They may just become a cherished tradition in your household too!
Recipe FAQs
Can I substitute the milk for a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk as a substitute. Just ensure it’s warmed up to activate the yeast equally well.
How do I know if my yeast has activated?
After letting the yeast, milk, and sugar mixture sit, you should see it foaming and bubbling on the surface. If it doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, your yeast might be old or the milk too hot, so try again with fresh ingredients.
Can I make these buns without raisins?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of raisins, feel free to leave them out. You can replace them with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different burst of flavor.
What should I serve with my hot cross buns?
These buns are delightful with simply a pat of butter, but they also pair beautifully with cream cheese spreads or jams. Enjoy them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat!
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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 or 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns are a must-try for Easter! With simple ingredients like milk and raisins, they offer a delightful homemade touch 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
- 1/2 cup california raisins
- oil for brushing bowl
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp icing sugar
Instructions
- Warm the milk, then mix in the yeast and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Stir in the eggs, water, salt, butter, and cinnamon into the yeast mixture until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate 1 cup of flour at a time until a dough ball forms.
- Add the raisins and mix thoroughly into the dough.
- Brush a bowl with oil and place the dough inside, allowing it to rise in a warm spot covered with a towel for 90 minutes.
- 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.
- Allow the buns to rise again for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel.
- Brush the tops with an egg wash.
- Bake the buns in the oven for 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Combine water and icing sugar into a thick mixture and pipe it onto the cooled buns to form a cross.
- Serve the warm buns with butter.
Notes
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
These buns can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container after cooling.
For a richer flavor, allow the dough to rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
