Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls) are one of those delightful treats that transport you to a cozy, sunlit kitchen filled with the scent of freshly baked bread. Soft and fluffy with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon and the subtle sweetness from the raisins, they’re perfect for Easter celebrations or any time you’re craving a comforting snack. Best of all, these buns are surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s a joy to whip up a batch and share them with family and friends, adding a homemade touch to your celebrations.
Table of Contents
I first discovered the magic of hot cross buns during a family holiday gathering, where the air was filled with laughter, and these delightful, rounded rolls graced the table. Their unique combination of spices invites you to take a more leisurely bite, savoring the richness of flavors with every mouthful. Once you try making your own Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls), you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought versions. So grab your apron, and let’s get started creating these delicious buns that are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 120 minutes of prep time, you’ll have fresh buns without much hassle.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bun is infused with the warm taste of cinnamon and sweet juicy raisins.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The signature icing cross adds a festive touch that’s perfect for holidays.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy these buns for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or at a holiday brunch.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare in advance and bake just before serving for a fresh taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup milk: Warm to activate the yeast, contributing to the dough’s softness. Whole or 2% milk works best.
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast: The crucial ingredient for leavening; always check the expiration date for best results.
- 1 tsp white sugar: Feeds the yeast, helping it to bloom, which is essential for that fluffy texture.
- 2 eggs: Room temperature for easier blending; they enrich the dough and give it a golden hue.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps to balance the hydration in the dough; if your kitchen is extra dry, adjust with more as needed.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances flavor; don’t skip this as it balances the sweetness of the dough.
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness; for a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: The warm spice that brings warmth and depth to the rolls.
- 3 cups all-purpose white flour: Provides structure; the amount may vary based on humidity, so keep extra on hand.
- 1/2 cup California raisins: Sweet and chewy, they pair perfectly with the spiced dough; substitute with cranberries if desired.
- Oil for brushing bowl: Prevents the dough from sticking while it rises.
- 1 egg, beaten: For achieving a lovely golden shine before baking.
- 1 tbsp water: Mixed with the egg for the wash.
- 3 tbsp icing sugar: For the sweet piping that creates the iconic cross on each bun.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F), 2 tbsp active dry yeast, and 1 tsp white sugar. Stir gently to combine and let it sit for 10 minutes until it foams up, indicating the yeast is ready to work its magic.
Mix the wet ingredients: Add in 2 room temperature eggs, 1/4 cup water, a pinch of salt, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Stir well until everything is combined to create a creamy base for your dough.
Incorporate the flour: Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose white flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a slightly sticky dough forms. You may find you need slightly more or less flour, depending on the humidity in your kitchen.
Add the raisins: Gently fold in 1/2 cup California raisins. Make sure they’re evenly distributed in the dough to ensure every bun has that delightful burst of sweetness.
Let it rise: Brush a mixing bowl with a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the dough in the bowl, cover it with a moist towel, and let it rise for about 90 minutes in a warm spot or in your oven set to proof. It should double in size.
Portion the dough: After the rise, gently punch down the dough. Divide it into either 9 larger dough balls or 12 smaller ones, depending on your preference. Shape them gently and place them on a greased baking pan.
Prepare for the second rise: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover the shaped buns with a moist towel, allowing them to rise for another 30 minutes. They should puff up nicely.
Apply the egg wash: Whisk together 1 beaten egg with 1 tbsp water. Gently brush this egg wash over the tops of the buns to achieve that gorgeous golden color when baked.
Bake the buns: Place the rises buns in your pre-heated oven and bake them for about 15 minutes, or until they’re a beautiful golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Pipe the cross: While the buns cool on a wire rack, mix 3 tbsp icing sugar with 1 tbsp water until you achieve a thick consistency. Transfer this to a piping bag and pipe a cross on each bun for that traditional look.
Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, these bundles of joy are ready to be slathered with butter and devoured!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your buns fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a plastic bag for up to a week. If you want to save them for later, consider freezing them. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. For reheating, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Just note that the texture might change slightly, but a little heat brings back that muffin-like softness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be mindful not to add too much flour; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for even blending into the batter.
- Adjust rising times according to the warmth of your kitchen; dough rises faster in a warm environment.
- Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
- Consider making the dough ahead and refrigerating it after the first rise; shape and bake fresh the next day!
Freshly baked buns are always a crowd-pleaser. With these simple yet delectable cinnamon raisin hot cross buns, your kitchen will soon become the focal point of warmth and joy, where everyone gathers for a taste of your homemade goodness. Don’t be shy—experiment with flavors and enjoy the delightful results of your baking adventure!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Just keep in mind that it may affect the texture slightly, making them denser.
My dough didn’t rise as expected; what went wrong?
There could be a few reasons. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk wasn’t too hot, which can kill the yeast. Sometimes, a colder kitchen can slow the rising process, so consider placing the dough in a warmer area.
Can I freeze the hot cross buns after baking?
Yes, you can! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months.
What’s the best way to serve these buns?
These buns are delicious enjoyed warm with a touch of butter. They also pair beautifully with your favorite jams or spreads for an added flavor twist!
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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
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns blend delightful flavors and easy preparation. With key ingredients like cinnamon, raisins, and fresh dough, they make a fantastic homemade treat 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 and combine it with yeast and sugar in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the yeast foams.
- Mix in eggs, water, salt, butter, and cinnamon into the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
- Fold in the raisins until evenly distributed.
- Coat a bowl with oil, place the dough inside, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 90 minutes. Cover with a moist towel.
- 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.
- Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes, covering with a moist towel.
- Brush the buns with an egg wash.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Combine water and icing sugar until thick; place in a piping bag.
- Once cooled, pipe a cross on each bun with icing.
- Serve with butter and enjoy!
Notes
Adjust flour as needed based on your kitchen’s humidity.
For a rich flavor, use more butter or add additional spices if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
