Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery of dreams with these irresistible Hot Cross Cinnamon Rolls that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home, promising a delectable experience that combines the traditional British love for sweet treats with the classic American cinnamon roll. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe will guide you to create the most mouth-watering, soft, and gooey rolls that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup icing sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, gently heat 1 cup of milk over low heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle 1 packet of active dry yeast over the warm milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1 egg to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Pour in the yeast mixture as well. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and roll it into a rectangle about 12x18 inches in size.
- Spread the remaining melted butter over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 1/4 cup of sugar evenly over the buttered surface. Then, sprinkle 1/2 cup of raisins evenly across the dough.
- Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal the roll. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes until they have puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing 1/2 cup of icing sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Hot Cross Cinnamon Rolls warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A turned-off oven with the light on works perfectly.
- Kneading Technique: Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty! Proper kneading develops gluten, giving your rolls that perfect soft and stretchy texture.
- Rolling Trick: Use dental floss to cut your roll log for clean, even slices that won't squish the dough.
- Glaze Game: Let the rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent the icing from completely melting away.
- Storage Hack: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days and slightly warm before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
