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: American
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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There’s something magically nostalgic about Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns, especially when they emerge warm from the oven, their inviting aroma wafting through the air. Picture those soft, pillowy rolls, dotted with sweet California raisins and a hint of cinnamon that wraps you in a cozy embrace. Traditionally enjoyed during Easter, these buns offer more than just holiday cheer; they beckon to be savored during lazy weekends, school mornings, or any time you seek comfort in the form of a delicious treat.

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)

When I first made these Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns, I knew I was onto something special. The simple yet fragrant mixture of warm milk, yeast, and spices transforms into a feast for the senses. It’s a recipe that appeals not only to my taste buds but also to my heart, filling my home with the warmth of baking. While store-bought versions have their perks, nothing truly compares to the heartwarming experience of making and sharing these homemade rolls with loved ones. I’m excited to share this recipe that promises easy preparation, stunning results, and an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 120 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy warm, homemade buns without spending all day in the kitchen.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with sweetness from the raisins and a gentle warmth from the cinnamon, making these buns downright delectable!
Eye-Catching Appeal: Drizzled with icing, these buns are not only delicious but also picture-perfect for celebrations.
Flexible Serving: Whether as a brunch centerpiece or an afternoon snack, they fit perfectly into any occasion.
Make-Ahead Magic: Great for Easter brunch; prepare them in advance and simply warm them before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup milk: Warmed to activate the yeast, creating a soft and rich dough. Substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
2 tbsp active dry yeast: Essential for that fluffy texture. Ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
1 tsp white sugar: Helps to feed the yeast, enhancing the fermentation process for a better rise.
2 eggs: Brings richness and helps bind everything together. Room-temperature eggs integrate better into the dough.
1/4 cup water: To dilute the mixture slightly and keep everything moist.
Pinch of salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the gluten.
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and a lovely buttery flavor. You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
1/4 tsp cinnamon: Gives that warm, inviting flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the raisins.
3 cups all-purpose white flour: The base for our dough. Depending on your kitchen’s humidity, you might need slightly more or less.
1/2 cup California raisins: These chewy bites add natural sweetness. Feel free to substitute with sultanas or currants.
Oil for brushing the bowl: To prevent sticking during the rising phase.
1 egg, beaten: An egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
1 tbsp water: To help loosen the egg wash.
3 tbsp icing sugar: For a simple, sweet glaze. Adjust sugar and water to your preferred consistency.

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

Activate Yeast: Warm the milk over low heat until it’s just warm to the touch. In a mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, 2 tbsp active dry yeast, and 1 tsp white sugar. Stir gently and let it rest for about 10 minutes until frothy—this indicates your yeast is ready to work its magic!

Mix the Wet Ingredients: Once your yeast is activated, whisk in 2 eggs, 1/4 cup water, pinch of salt, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. This mixture is going to add richness and flavor, so make sure everything is well combined before proceeding.

Incorporate Flour: Next, gradually add 3 cups all-purpose white flour, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition until you form a soft dough ball. Don’t rush this step; letting the flour absorb evenly ensures a better texture. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in more flour until manageable.

Fold in Raisins: Gently fold in 1/2 cup California raisins until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step adds that lovely burst of sweetness in each bun.

First Rise: Brush the mixing bowl with a little oil to prevent sticking, then place the dough inside. Cover it with a moist towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 90 minutes. If you have a proof setting on your oven, this is a great option too. The dough should roughly double in size and be fluffy to the touch.

Shape the Buns: After rising, punch down the dough gently to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into either 9 large dough balls or 12 smaller dough balls, placing them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Give them some space as they will rise again.

Second Rise: Preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven is warming up, cover the buns with a moist towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They should puff up nicely, preparing for baking.

Apply Egg Wash: Once the buns have risen, gently brush the tops with 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tbsp water. This will give them that golden, shiny finish once baked.

Bake Buns: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Prepare Icing: While the buns are cooling, you can whip up a quick icing by mixing 3 tbsp icing sugar with enough water to create a thick consistency. Place the icing in a piping bag for easy application.

Decorate & Serve: Once the buns are completely cool, pipe a simple cross on each bun with your icing. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the buns tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. While they may lose a bit of moisture from freezing, a quick reheat will revive that delightful warmth and texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-kneading the dough as it can make the buns tough; just knead until a smooth ball forms.
Make sure your milk is warm, not hot—too hot can kill the yeast and affect your rise.
If you’re making these ahead of time, consider allowing them to rise in the refrigerator, which can develop flavor.
Want to mix it up? Try adding some citrus zest or a splash of vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

The aroma of baking bread will make your home feel inviting and warm, not to mention the smiles on everyone’s faces when they take their first bites. The balance of sweetness from the raisins with the warm spice of cinnamon is simply irresistible. I encourage you to try this recipe, customize it to your liking, and share it with friends and family. Enjoy every moment as you create these delicious buns. Your Easter celebrations—or any day worth celebrating—will only be sweeter for it!

Recipe FAQs

How can I make these hot cross buns gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

Can I add different spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom. They’ll add unique flavors that complement the cinnamon and the sweetness of the raisins beautifully.

How can I tell if my yeast is still active?

After mixing the yeast with warm milk and sugar, look for bubbles and a frothy head on top after about 10 minutes. If there’s no reaction, your yeast may be too old or inactive.

Can I make these buns without icing?

Certainly! While the icing adds a nice touch, the buns are delightful on their own, especially when served warm with butter. Enjoy them however you prefer!