Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls) are a beloved tradition that brings joy to many during the Easter season. These delightful little buns, adorned with their classic cross, feature a soft and pillowy texture that perfectly complements notes of sweetness from the California raisins and warmth from the cinnamon. They create that inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen, making it impossible not to feel a little extra festive. Beyond that, they serve as the perfect breakfast treat or a sweet snack during family gatherings, sure to win over even the pickiest of eaters.

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 discovered the magic of making these buns at home, it opened a world of flavors and experiences nestled in each bite. I love how you can prepare them ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the moment without stress when it’s time to serve. The ability to be flexible with this recipe makes it a hit among friends and family. There’s just something so comforting about warm buns straight from the oven—can you feel the excitement? I encourage you to give this a try; you might just find them becoming a cherished part of your Easter traditions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a total time of just about 2 hours, these buns are easy enough for newcomers to follow.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is a perfect fusion of sweetness from the raisins and warmth from cinnamon, wrapped in a soft bun.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The classic cross gives these buns a festive look, making them perfect for any holiday table.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even warm out of the oven at a gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: With a few swaps, you can make these buns gluten-free or dairy-free if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup milk: This will help to create a soft texture in the buns. Whole milk is preferred for richness but feel free to use any milk you have on hand.
2 tbsp active dry yeast: Essential for making your buns rise. Be sure to check the expiration date for effectiveness.
1 tsp white sugar: This small amount helps activate the yeast and encourages the dough to rise.
2 eggs: Adding moisture and richness, use large eggs at room temperature for best results.
1/4 cup water: Used to thin the mixture slightly; warm water helps the yeast wake up faster.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the buns.
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Gives the buns a beautiful richness. If you prefer, coconut oil is a great alternative.
1/4 tsp cinnamon: Infuses the dough with a warm, delightful aroma.
3 cups all-purpose white flour: The base of your dough; you may need more or less depending on humidity.
1/2 cup California raisins: Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture. Consider swapping for cranberries or chopped dates if preferred.
Oil for brushing bowl: Prevents sticking while your dough rises.
1 egg, beaten: The egg wash gives your buns a beautiful golden finish.
1 tbsp water: Mixed with the beaten egg for the wash.
3 tbsp icing sugar: Used to create the sweet cross on top of the buns, giving them a delightful finish.

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

Mix Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk, 2 tablespoons active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon white sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly—this lets you know your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Combine Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add 2 room-temperature eggs, 1/4 cup warm water, a pinch of salt, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly.

Add Flour: Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose white flour to the mixture, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough begins to form. Depending on your kitchen’s humidity, you may need more or slightly less flour—aim for a dough that is soft but not overly sticky.

Incorporate Raisins: Gently fold in 1/2 cup California raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You’ll love the little hits of sweetness when you bite into one!

Let Rise: Brush your mixing bowl with a little oil to prevent sticking, then place your dough inside. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. If your oven has a proof setting, it works wonderfully!

Divide Dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide it into 9 large or 12 smaller dough balls, placing them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between them as they will rise again.

Preheat Oven: As you wait for the dough to rise again for about 30 minutes, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dough balls again with the moist towel to help them rise.

Egg Wash: Once the second rise is complete, brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash made from 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. This gives them a lovely golden color while baking.

Bake Buns: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and fragrant. You’ll know they are done when they sound hollow when tapped.

Prepare Icing: While the buns cool, mix 1 tablespoon of water with 3 tablespoons of icing sugar until it thickens, creating a simple icing. Transfer this to a piping bag to create the classic cross design.

Decorate & Enjoy: Allow the buns to cool completely before piping the icing in a cross shape on each bun. For an extra touch, serve them warm with a pat of butter. Enjoy these delightful creations with friends and family!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the buns in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Be aware that freezing may slightly change the texture, but a quick warm-up will refresh their delightful flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be attentive to the yeast: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Room temperature matters: For best results, use room temperature eggs and butter when making dough.
Don’t rush the rising process: Allow the dough the necessary time to rise for optimal fluffiness.
Texture troubleshooting: If the dough feels too dry, add a soft touch of water; if too wet, sprinkle in a little extra flour.
For even more flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using half whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
You can easily make these buns ahead of time; prepare the dough, shape it, and refrigerate overnight before the second rise and bake.

Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls) are small treasures of flavor just waiting to delight your family. They’re not only interactive to make, but they also offer a comforting aroma and a touch of nostalgia. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to bring people together, transforming any gathering into a special occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or revisited days later, they’re sure to please everyone. So, gather your loved ones, let the aroma fill your home, and share the joy of homemade buns this season!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use another type of flour?

Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works perfectly for fluffy buns, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for added nutrients. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour can absorb more liquid, so you might need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe.

Can I skip the raisins?

Yes, if raisins aren’t your thing, feel free to omit them or replace them with other dried fruits such as cranberries or chopped apricots. You could even mix in some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat!

How can I make these buns dairy-free?

To make your buns dairy-free, simply substitute the milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter. Ensure that all other ingredients are also dairy-free.

What’s the best way to serve hot cross buns?

These buns are fantastic served warm, slathered in a bit of butter. They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of cream cheese or homemade jam for a delightful breakfast or snack any time of the day!

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

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 120 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Category: Breakfast

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Description

Treat yourself to these mouthwatering Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns. With their soft texture and hint of cinnamon, they’re perfect for breakfast or snacks. Enjoy simple prep with flavorful results!

Ingredients

Scale

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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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine warmed milk, yeast, and white sugar. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Add two eggs, water, salt, melted butter, and cinnamon to the yeast mixture, and mix well.
Gradually incorporate one cup of flour at a time until a dough ball forms.
Fold in the raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Brush a bowl with oil, then place the dough in it, allowing it to rise for 90 minutes in a warm spot covered with a moist towel.
After rising, portion the dough into either 9 large or 12 smaller balls and arrange them on a baking pan.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Let the dough balls rise for an additional 30 minutes, again covered with a moist towel.
Apply an egg wash on top of the buns before baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden.
Mix water and icing sugar to achieve a thick consistency and transfer it into a piping bag.
After the buns have cooled completely, pipe a cross on each bun.
Serve warm with butter and enjoy!

Notes

Using warmer milk helps activate the yeast effectively.
Allowing the buns to rise properly ensures they are soft and fluffy.
You may substitute raisins with your favorite dried fruit for variation.