Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns are the delightful treats that bring the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of raisins together in a fluffy, spiced dough. Picture the aroma swirling through your kitchen as they bake, filling your home with the promise of a delicious experience. This recipe is perfect for those special occasions, especially Easter, when you want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. With a soft texture and lightly sweet flavor, these buns are a crowd-pleaser that can easily be made ahead of time, making them an essential addition to any festive gathering.
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When I first discovered the joy of making these Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns, I was captivated by how homemade versions completely outshine store-bought ones. The combination of warm spices and sweet raisins creates an irresistible flavor, and when drizzled with icing, they transform into the perfect dessert. Whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or as a sweet treat any time of day, these buns are sure to bring smiles all around. Let’s get started on making your very own batch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just about two hours of prep time, you don’t need a whole day to bake these buns.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is a delightful blend of cinnamon and sweet raisins, making for that cozy comfort food experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The classic cross design on top adds a lovely touch, making them perfect for any festive occasion.
- Flexible Serving: Great for breakfast, brunch, or snacks, they’re versatile enough for any moment.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for preparing in advance. They can be frozen and baked fresh when you need them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup milk: Warmed to help activate the yeast; whole milk yields the richest flavor.
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast: Essential for rising; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- 1 tsp white sugar: Helps activate the yeast; sugar also adds a hint of sweetness to the buns.
- 2 eggs: Room temperature eggs enrich the dough and add moisture.
- 1/4 cup water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it too wet.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor; can be substituted with margarine if needed.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: This warms the dough with aromatic spice; feel free to increase if you love cinnamon.
- 3 cups all-purpose white flour: Essential for the structure of the buns, ensure it’s measured accurately.
- 1/2 cup California raisins: Sweet bursts of flavor inside each bun; golden raisins can be used for a twist.
- Oil for brushing the bowl: Prevents the dough from sticking while rising.
- 1 egg, beaten: For the egg wash, which gives the buns a beautiful golden color.
- 1 tbsp water: Used in the egg wash to achieve a glossy finish.
- 3 tbsp icing sugar: The final touch for beautifying your buns; you can substitute it with powdered sugar.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Activate yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warmed milk, 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of white sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 10 minutes, until foamy—a sign that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Mix wet ingredients: 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. Stir thoroughly until well combined. This mixture should smell delightfully fragrant already!
Incorporate flour: Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose white flour at a time to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough ball forms. The total amount of flour needed may vary slightly due to humidity, so add just enough to achieve a smooth, tacky dough.
Add raisins: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of California raisins until evenly distributed. The raisins will add pockets of sweetness, making each bite even more delightful.
Let dough rise: Lightly brush a bowl with oil and transfer the dough ball into it, turning to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a moist towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 90 minutes. If your oven has a proof setting, that works great too!
Shape buns: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into either 9 large or 12 smaller dough balls, rolling them until smooth. Arrange them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Second rise: Preheat your oven to 375°F and let the shaped buns rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel. This additional rising time allows for fluffy buns!
Brush with egg wash: Before baking, brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. This will give them that beautiful golden color as they bake.
Bake the buns: Place the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Watch them closely—when they turn golden brown and fragrant, they’re done!
Prepare icing: While the buns cool, mix 3 tablespoons of icing sugar with a tiny bit of water until thick. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag for easy decorating.
Decorate: Once the buns have cooled completely, pipe a cross on each bun with the icing. This final touch adds a festive flair, making your buns even more appealing!
Serve: Slice these hot cross buns open, slather with butter, and enjoy the warmth with each bite!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for about a week, keeping them in a well-sealed container to prevent drying out. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual buns in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. The texture might change slightly after freezing, but a quick refresh in the oven brings them back to life.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- If your dough isn’t rising, ensure your yeast is fresh and your liquids aren’t too hot, which can kill the yeast.
- Use room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs, for a smoother dough.
- To achieve the best texture, avoid overworking the dough; mix until just combined.
- For added flavor, try experimenting with different spices like nutmeg or ginger in the dough.
- Feel free to make the dough the night before—let it rise in the fridge overnight, then shape, allow to rise, and bake in the morning!
The charm of homemade Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns really shines through each bite, and experimenting with flavors can lead to exciting new variations. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients or techniques. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy making these delightful buns as much as I do. Happy baking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you use instant yeast, you can skip the activation step. Just add it directly to the flour mixture, and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can I substitute raisins with something else?
Certainly! You can use dried cranberries, currants, or even chocolate chips for a delicious twist. Each adds its own unique flavor and texture.
How do I know when the buns are baked perfectly?
When the buns are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, they’re perfectly baked! Additionally, you can use a thermometer to check—the internal temperature should reach about 190°F.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes! You can freeze the shaped dough balls before the second rise. Just ensure they are nicely wrapped. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then allow them to rise before baking as usual.
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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
Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns are a delightful treat with rich flavors and a soft texture. This easy recipe combines milk, eggs, and cinnamon, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying at home. A delectable way to celebrate 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
- Combine warmed milk, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Allow to sit for 10 minutes until yeast foams.
- Incorporate eggs, water, salt, butter, and cinnamon into the yeast mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a dough ball forms.
- Fold in raisins until evenly mixed.
- Brush a bowl with oil and place the dough in to rise for 90 minutes in a warm area, covered with a towel.
- After rising, divide the dough into 9 large or 12 smaller pieces and place on a baking pan.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Allow dough to rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel.
- Brush the tops of the buns with egg wash.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix icing sugar with water until thickened and transfer to a piping bag.
- Cool the buns completely before piping a cross on each.
- Serve with butter and enjoy!
Notes
Ensure the yeast is fresh for the best rise.
Feel free to customize the spices by adding nutmeg or allspice to the dough.
Store any leftover buns in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
