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; 1/2 cup california raisins; oil for brushing bowl; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tbsp water; 3 tbsp icing sugar

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Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns hold a special place in my heart, especially during Easter. Their tender, fluffy texture filled with sweet raisins and a hint of cinnamon makes them irresistible. With each bite, you experience a symphony of flavors enhanced by the soft, pillowy dough. If you’ve ever tasted the store-bought versions, you’ll appreciate how these homemade rolls surpass them in both flavor and freshness. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip them up for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat to share with loved ones.

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)

I first discovered a love for baking these buns while preparing for an Easter gathering. The aroma wafting through the kitchen is a memory that still lingers, creating anticipation for the arrival of family and friends. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about homemade cinnamon raisin rolls, especially when they are served warm with a pat of butter. Trust me, once you try making your own Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls), you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without them. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the delightful process of making these delicious treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These buns come together in about 120 minutes, making them a manageable baking project, even on a busy day.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet raisins, and soft dough creates a flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with a delicate cross of icing, these buns are as beautiful as they are tasty, perfect for any festive occasion.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them warm for breakfast, alongside a cup of tea, or as an impressive snack for your guests.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance and bake just before the occasion for fresh, warm goodness that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup milk: Use warmed whole milk for a rich flavor. This helps activate the yeast so it can create that fluffy texture.
2 tbsp active dry yeast: Look for reliable brands; this is key for helping the dough rise effectively.
1 tsp white sugar: A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast, ensuring it activates and creates air bubbles in the dough.
2 eggs: Make sure these are at room temperature to help with the dough’s consistency.
1/4 cup water: This helps balance the moisture; you can use warm water to enhance yeast activation.
Pinch of salt: Salt enhances flavor and controls yeast activity for perfect dough rise.
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Unsalted allows you to control the salt content; the butter adds richness and keeps the rolls tender.
1/4 tsp cinnamon: For that signature warm flavor that pairs wonderfully with the raisins.
3 cups all-purpose white flour: This provides structure; depending on humidity, you may need a bit more or less.
1/2 cup California raisins: Sweet and chewy, these add sweetness and texture. Feel free to soak them in warm water for a softer bite if you like.
Oil for brushing the bowl: A light coating prevents the dough from sticking to the bowl while it rises.
1 egg, beaten: This will be used for the egg wash to give the buns a beautiful golden finish when baked.
1 tbsp water: Added to the beaten egg to create a consistent egg wash.
3 tbsp icing sugar: Mixed with water to create a simple icing for the decorative cross on top of each bun.

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 about 10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This step is essential as it indicates the yeast is alive and ready to do its magic in the dough.

Mix Ingredients: Add 2 room temperature eggs, 1/4 cup of warm water, a pinch of salt, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. Now, the enticing scent of cinnamon fills your kitchen, creating a delightful atmosphere.

Form Dough: Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose white flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough ball forms. If your kitchen is particularly humid or dry, you may find you need a little more or less than the full amount, so adjust as necessary.

Incorporate Raisins: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of California raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will look beautiful with little pockets of glistening raisins throughout.

Let Dough Rise: Lightly brush a bowl with oil to prevent sticking, then place the dough inside. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise for approximately 90 minutes in a warm spot. If your oven has a proof setting, this works perfectly!

Shape Buns: Once the dough has doubled in size, remove it from the bowl and divide it into either 9 larger or 12 smaller dough balls. Place them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper, ensuring there’s enough space for them to rise again.

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F while the shaped dough rises for another 30 minutes, covered with a damp cloth. The anticipation builds as the heavenly scent of the buns begins to fill the air!

Apply Egg Wash: After the second rise, brush the dough balls gently with the beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. This step will create a beautiful sheen on your buns as they bake.

Bake Buns: Place the buns in the preheated oven, baking them for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they turn golden brown, and your kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma.

Prepare Icing: Meanwhile, mix 3 tablespoons of icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of water until you achieve a thick consistency. Transfer this icing into a piping bag for topping the cooled buns.

Decorate: Allow the baked buns to cool completely, then pipe a cross on each one with the prepared icing. This simple decoration adds a charming touch that makes the buns look extra special.

Serve & Enjoy: Slice them open while they are still slightly warm and serve with butter. You will love how the rich flavors and soft texture come together in every delightful pull apart.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to make them ahead, they freeze beautifully; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To refresh, simply reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, and they’ll regain their fresh-baked flavor and texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your yeast is fresh; expired yeast won’t rise properly, ruining your dough.
Room temperature ingredients blend more seamlessly, so let eggs and butter sit out for a bit before starting.
If the dough is too sticky, add flour a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Don’t skip the rising times; they are critical for fluffy buns.
Experiment with different types of dried fruit or spices for a unique twist on this recipe.
Consider preparing the dough the night before and refrigerating it to save time on baking day.

Easter brunch or any gathering feels incomplete without a batch of delicious Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns. The combination of comforting flavors, soft dough, and sweet raisins creates an experience everyone will cherish. Enjoy experimenting with your buns, making them your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of dried fruit instead of raisins?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, apricots, or currants can add a delightful twist to your rolls. Just chop larger fruits into smaller pieces for an even distribution throughout the dough.

What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough hasn’t risen, ensure your yeast is still active. You can test it by letting it bloom in warm water with sugar before use. Also, check the temperature of your rising area; it may need to be warmer.

Can I make these buns vegan?

Yes! Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, use plant-based milk instead of dairy, and swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. They will be just as delightful!