Name: Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Easter
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

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If you’ve ever walked into a bakery and caught a whiff of freshly baked hot cross buns, you know the intoxicating aroma that fills the air. These delicious rolls are a delightful combination of fluffy bread, warm spices, and sweet raisins, often adorned with a simple icing cross. My journey with Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls) began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of cinnamon danced through the air, wrapping us in a cozy embrace. Making these buns brings back beloved memories of family gatherings and the joy of sharing something homemade, warm, and inviting.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)

Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)

What makes these cinnamon raisin treats truly special is their versatility: they can be made ahead of time, making your Easter brunch effortlessly beautiful. Imagine popping these soft, golden buns in the oven while you sip your morning coffee, or serving them as a delightful snack throughout the day. Not only are they a comforting treat, but these homemade buns are also budget-friendly and far superior to anything you can find at a store.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a prep time of just 120 minutes, these buns are feasible for any home baker.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of warm cinnamon and sweet California raisins makes each bite a comforting experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with a simple icing cross, these buns aren’t just delicious; they’re visually appealing!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon snack, making them a versatile delight.
Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is not gluten-free, you can substitute gluten-free flour to create a more inclusive treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup milk: Warmed to help the yeast activate and create a soft dough.
2 tbsp active dry yeast: Crucial for leavening; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
1 tsp white sugar: Helps to activate the yeast during the first step.
2 eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
1/4 cup water: Combined with the eggs to create a fluid mixture.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor of the buns; don’t skip this step!
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor, creating a tender crumb.
1/4 tsp cinnamon: This warm spice offers that classic flavor we expect in hot cross buns.
3 cups all-purpose white flour: The base of your dough; adjust based on your kitchen’s humidity.
1/2 cup California raisins: Sweet additions for bursts of flavor; feel free to use other dried fruits.
Oil for brushing the bowl: Prevents the dough from sticking as it rises.
1 egg, beaten: An egg wash for achieving that beautiful golden top.
1 tbsp water: Mixed with the beaten egg for the egg wash.
3 tbsp icing sugar: For the sweet cross on top of each bun; this adds visual appeal.

How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)

Combine Yeast Mixture: In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of warmed milk, 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of white sugar. Stir gently to combine and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast foams up, signaling that it’s active and ready to work its magic.

Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Next, 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. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined and frothy.

Gradually Mix Flour: Now, it’s time to start adding the dry ingredients. Add in 1 cup of all-purpose white flour at a time, mixing until a dough ball forms. Depending on the moisture levels in your kitchen, you may need to adjust the amount of flour used.

Fold in Raisins: Once your dough ball forms, gently fold in 1/2 cup of California raisins. Ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for a perfect sweetness in every bite.

First Rise: Prepare your rising area by brushing your mixing bowl with a little oil. Place the dough inside, cover it with a moist towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 90 minutes. If your oven has a proof setting, that works splendidly too!

Shape the Buns: After the dough has risen, it’s time to divide it up. Depending on your serving preference, divide it into either 9 large dough balls or 12 smaller ones, placing them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to ensure your buns rise beautifully and bake evenly.

Second Rise: Let the shaped buns rise for another 30 minutes while covered with a moist towel. This second rise contributes to their fluffy texture.

Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the risen buns with the beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. This gives them a lovely golden-brown sheen when baked.

Bake: Place the buns in your preheated oven and bake them for 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are fragrant. You’ll know they’re done when they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Prepare Icing: While your buns cool, mix 1 tablespoon of water with 3 tablespoons of icing sugar until you achieve a thick consistency. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag.

Decorate: Once the buns have cooled completely, take your piping bag and pipe a simple cross on each bun.

Serve: Finally, these delightful treats are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a generous pat of butter, and watch them disappear!

Storing & Reheating

To keep leftover buns fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed bag for up to a week, or freeze them for a maximum of 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly in the oven to refresh their fluffy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To ensure the bread rises well, always check the yeast’s expiration date; expired yeast won’t yield fluffy buns.
I recommend warming the milk until it’s just warm to the touch for effective yeast activation.
To achieve the best texture, avoid over-flouring; it’s better to start with less and add more as needed.
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the icing sugar to taste while still keeping the decorative cross.
For a spiced variation, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon.
These buns can be made ahead of time and stored, making them a perfect last-minute treat for gatherings.

Baking these Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls) is not just about enjoying delicious homemade rolls; it’s about creating special moments with family and friends. Each bite brings back memories, warmth, and the aroma of home. I encourage you to experiment with this recipe, maybe adding your own twist, whether it be a different dried fruit or a burst of citrus zest. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful buns, and make them a cherished tradition in your home!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of dried fruit?

Absolutely! While California raisins are traditional, feel free to swap them out for dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or even dried cherries for a unique twist on flavor.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes! After completing the first rise, you can place the dough in the fridge overnight and shape it in the morning. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking.

What if my buns turn out too dense?

If your buns are too dense, it could be due to overworking the dough or insufficient rising time. Be gentle while kneading, and ensure adequate rising in a warm environment.

Can these buns be made vegan?

Definitely! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter.