Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls) are the perfect combination of soft, spicy sweetness wrapped in an inviting dough. The warm scent of cinnamon wafts through your home as they bake, creating a cozy atmosphere that whispers comfort. These delightful rolls aren’t just beautiful to behold with their signature cross on top; they’re a crowd-pleaser and a beloved tradition for Easter celebrations. Fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, they’re sure to impress everyone around your table.
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Having first made these irresistible buns years ago for my family during Easter, I’ve found that they are more than just a treat; they’re a sweet reminder of togetherness and celebration. This easy recipe for Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls) will add a delicious touch to your holiday gatherings. And the best part? They can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your company. Let’s roll up our sleeves and indulge in this delightful creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepare these buns in about two hours, fitting even the busiest schedule.
- Irresistible Flavor: A warm blend of cinnamon and sweet California raisins creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The traditional cross piping adds a charming visual that elevates your Easter spread.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they’re endlessly versatile.
- Diet-Friendliness: With a few simple adjustments, it can accommodate various dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup milk: Warm milk activates the yeast, making the dough light and fluffy. Whole milk is recommended, but any milk will do.
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast: Essential for making the dough rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
- 1 tsp white sugar: This feeds the yeast, helping it bloom and making the rolls even fluffier.
- 2 eggs: They add richness to the dough and help bind the ingredients together. Use room temperature for better mixing.
- 1/4 cup water: Combined with milk, this helps create the right dough consistency.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor of the buns. A small amount goes a long way!
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness to the dough. If you don’t have unsalted butter, just reduce the amount of added salt.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: The star of the show, giving the buns their signature warmth and flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose white flour: The backbone of the dough. Depending on humidity, you might need a little more or less.
- 1/2 cup California raisins: Sweet and chewy, these raisins add texture and bursts of flavor.
- Oil for brushing the bowl: Prevents the dough from sticking to the bowl during resting.
- 1 egg, beaten: For an egg wash that creates a shiny, golden crust.
- 1 tbsp water: For diluting the beaten egg for the wash.
- 3 tbsp icing sugar: For a sweet drizzle that completes the buns’ look and taste.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Combine Yeast Mixture: In a mixing bowl, stir together 1 cup of warmed milk, 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of white sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast bubbles and foams up, indicating it’s alive and ready.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast is foamy, add 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of water, pinch of salt, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir everything together until combined well.
Incorporate Flour: Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose white flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough ball forms. Depending on the humidity in your kitchen, you may need a little more or less flour, so keep an eye on the texture.
Add Raisins: Fold in 1/2 cup of California raisins. Make sure they’re evenly mixed throughout the dough, giving every bite bursts of sweetness.
Let Dough Rise: Brush a bowl with a little oil, place your dough ball in it, and cover with a moist towel. Set it in a warm spot and let it rise for about 90 minutes, or until it’s doubled in size. If your oven has a proof setting, that works wonders, too!
Divide the Dough: Once risen, gently deflate the dough, then divide it into either 9 large dough balls or 12 smaller ones. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a baking pan lined with parchment.
Preheat Oven: While the dough has its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F. This gives you a hot and ready environment for baking.
Final Rise: Let the shaped dough rise again for another 30 minutes, covered with the moist towel. This step is vital for getting those perfect puffy buns.
Brush with Egg Wash: Before baking, brush the tops with the beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. This egg wash will create a beautiful golden crust.
Bake Buns: Place the tray in the preheated oven, baking for about 15 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and fragrant.
Prepare Icing: In the meantime, mix 3 tablespoons of icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of water until it thickens. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small corner snipped off for piping.
Cool and Decorate: Once baked, allow the buns to cool completely. Then, pipe a cross on each one with the icing, adding the perfect decorative touch.
Serve Warm: These buns are best enjoyed fresh, spread with a little butter for the ultimate indulgence.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. If freezing, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer bag, where they can stay fresh for up to three months. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. They may lose some moisture during freezing, but a quick toast will bring back their deliciousness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overmixing: When mixing the flour, stop once the dough comes together to avoid tough buns.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature, as this helps create a softer dough.
- Timing is Key: Don’t rush the rising times; giving the dough enough time to puff is crucial for the best texture.
- Enhance Flavor: For a deeper cinnamon flavor, consider adding more if you love that spice. Cardamom can also be a delightful addition.
- Preparation Ahead: If you want to make these buns ahead of time, assemble them up to the point of the second rise, then refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns are not merely a treat; they are an experience waiting to happen. Whether making them for a special occasion like Easter or enjoying them as a weekend breakfast delight, they promise joy in every bite. Let your creativity flourish as you experiment with this easy recipe. I can’t wait for you to savor these delicious rolls, warm from your oven or toasted to perfection. Enjoy the love you’ve baked into them, and share them with those you cherish.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and add it directly to your dry ingredients. Just make sure to adjust the amount slightly since instant yeast is usually more potent.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you’re not a fan of raisins, feel free to swap them out with other dried fruits like currants, cranberries, or even chopped dates. Each will give a unique twist to your buns!
How can I make these buns ahead of time?
To make them ahead, you can prepare the dough and shape it into buns, then place them in the fridge overnight after the first rise. The next day, allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before baking.
Why are my buns dense?
Dense buns may be a result of overworking the dough or not allowing sufficient time for rising. Ensure you watch the dough rise until it’s doubled, and try to handle it gently when shaping.
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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 large or 12 smaller buns 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns are a delightful treat with a perfect blend of flavors. Simple to prepare and ideal for festive occasions, they feature milk, raisins, and a hint of cinnamon. Ideal for breakfast or a snack!
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
- Combine warmed milk, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl and stir. Allow to sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add eggs, water, salt, melted butter, and cinnamon into the yeast mixture; blend well.
- Incorporate one cup of flour at a time until a dough ball forms.
- Stir in raisins until evenly distributed in the dough.
- Grease a bowl with oil, place the dough inside, and let it rise for 90 minutes in a warm area, covered with a damp cloth.
- After rising, divide the dough into 9 large or 12 smaller balls and arrange on a baking pan.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Allow the buns to rise for an additional 30 minutes, covering them with a damp cloth.
- Brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg wash.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until golden.
- Mix water and icing sugar until thick and transfer to a piping bag.
- Once the buns have cooled, pipe a cross on each bun with the icing.
- Serve warm with butter.
Notes
For best results, ensure that the milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast.
Keep an eye on the buns while baking to prevent over-browning.
These buns can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
