Irresistible Mini Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Easter Joy

Mini Hot Cross Buns are the delightful, sweet, and spiced buns that dance their way into our hearts and stomachs every Easter. Imagine soft, pillowy dough infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, punctuated by plump raisins or currants. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make even the most disciplined dieter weak at the knees.

These little bundles of joy aren’t just for Easter brunch anymore. Picture this: a rainy Sunday afternoon, you cozy up on the couch with your favorite book, and suddenly, the smell of freshly baked Mini Hot Cross Buns fills your home. What could be better? Get ready for an amazing flavor experience!

I remember the first time I baked these Mini Hot Cross Buns; my family thought they were from a fancy bakery. Their joy and surprise were priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: A versatile flour that gives these buns their soft texture; sift it for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here; adjust to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
• Active Dry Yeast: Ensure it’s fresh for proper rising; check expiration dates to avoid flat buns.
• Warm Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast; ensure it’s not too hot.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control salt levels; melt it slightly before adding to the dough.
• Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): Essential for that warm flavor; use freshly grated nutmeg if possible.
• Dried Fruit (Raisins/Currants): Adds natural sweetness; soak them in warm water beforehand for plumpness.
• Eggs: These create richness in the dough; use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
• Icing Sugar: For drizzling on top once baked; mix with a splash of milk to achieve a drizzle consistency.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Mini Hot Cross Buns

Prepare the Dough: Start by combining warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit until frothy—about 5 minutes—like magic in action.

Add Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, spices, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in your yeast mixture along with melted butter and beaten eggs.

Knead until Smooth: On a floured surface, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic—about 8 minutes. You want it stretchy but not sticky.

Add Dried Fruits: Fold in soaked raisins or currants gently into your dough until evenly distributed. It’s like hiding treasures throughout!

First Rise Time: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—approximately 1 hour.

Shape the Buns: Once risen, punch down the dough gently (feel free to release any frustrations). Divide into equal pieces, shape them into small balls, and place them on a lined baking tray.

Second Rise Time: Cover shaped buns with a cloth again and let them rise another 30 minutes until puffed up—this part is so satisfying!

Bake Away!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown—a heavenly aroma will fill your home!

Icing Drizzle Time!: Allow buns to cool slightly before drizzling icing made from icing sugar mixed with milk over them. Feel free to get creative with designs!

Now go ahead and enjoy those Mini Hot Cross Buns fresh out of the oven! They are perfect as breakfast treats or snacks throughout the day!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your dry ingredients first to ensure even distribution. While the dough rises, prepare your glaze and set aside. Bake the buns until golden brown, then brush on the glaze immediately for that glossy finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional spices with your favorites. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom for a unique twist. You can also sprinkle in some chocolate chips or dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Mini Hot Cross Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in a warm oven (about 350°F) for 5-10 minutes to bring back their fluffy goodness.

The first time I made these Mini Hot Cross Buns, my friends devoured them like they were Olympic athletes post-race! Their compliments filled my kitchen with warmth, making it feel like a cozy bakery rather than my chaotic home.

FAQ

What is the best way to achieve fluffy Mini Hot Cross Buns?

To ensure fluffiness, make sure you’re using fresh yeast and give your dough ample time to rise. Knead it well so gluten develops properly; this will give you that lovely airy texture everyone craves.

Can I make Mini Hot Cross Buns ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking so they can puff up nicely.

What variations can I try with my Mini Hot Cross Buns?

You can customize these buns endlessly! Consider adding citrus zest for brightness or swapping raisins with chopped nuts or chocolate chips for delightful surprises within each bite.

How do I know when my buns are fully baked?

Your buns are done when they’re golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F means they’re perfectly baked through!

Conclusion for Mini Hot Cross Buns

Mini Hot Cross Buns are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with elegance. By following these tips, you’ll create perfectly fluffy buns that not only taste divine but also look stunning on any table. With options to customize and easy storage methods, these little bites of joy will surely become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!

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Mini Hot Cross Buns

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Mini Hot Cross Buns are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for any occasion. These soft, spiced buns are filled with plump raisins and topped with a sweet icing drizzle. Each bite offers a warm, comforting flavor that makes them an ideal treat for Easter brunch or cozy afternoons at home. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, these buns will surely impress family and friends alike!

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
• 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup dried fruit (raisins or currants)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup icing sugar (for drizzling)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, spices, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Gently fold in soaked raisins or currants until evenly distributed.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the risen dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking tray; let rise again for about 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Cool slightly before drizzling with icing made from icing sugar mixed with milk.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 191
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 128mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 36mg