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Fluffy Easter Rolls

Featured in Master the Art of Baking with Our Foolproof Recipes.

These Easter rolls mix raisins soaked in orange juice with cinnamon and nutmeg. The dough is kneaded for a soft finish, divided into 15 pieces, and shaped into rounds. After rising, they're marked with a simple flour-and-water cross, then baked until golden. Serve warm on Good Friday for a cozy and traditional treat.
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Updated on Sat, 29 Mar 2025 18:14:02 GMT
Fluffy Easter Rolls Pin it
Fluffy Easter Rolls | athomedishes.com

Easter just wouldn't be the same without these soft, slightly sweet rolls that are among my most treasured family customs. These golden goodies, dotted with plump orange-soaked raisins and filled with cozy spices, capture what Easter celebrations are all about. Their fluffy texture and amazing smell make for a taste you won't forget.

I still remember my first try making these buns. The smell filling my kitchen took me straight back to Easter mornings when I was little, with my grandma baking them at dawn.

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Easter Buns Preparation Step | athomedishes.com

Special Ingredients

  • Active fresh yeast: The key to getting that perfect light and fluffy texture
  • Raisins soaked in orange juice: They add a unique fruity sweetness
  • Spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg): The classic flavor combo everyone loves
  • Top-quality flour: The foundation for that perfect texture
  • Room temperature butter: Makes sure they're rich and soft just right

Kitchen Magic

Waking the Yeast:
Softly mix the yeast with warm milk and a bit of sugar until it gets foamy and alive.
Flavor Blending:
Slowly add spices and flour, letting each ingredient release its flavor.
Dough Making:
Knead with care until you get a smooth, stretchy dough that pulls away from the bowl.
Resting Time:
Let the dough double in size in a warm spot, covered with a clean cloth.

My family always picks golden raisins for their mild sweetness. They work so well with orange flavor and remind me of the buns from when I was a kid.

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Fresh Baked Easter Buns | athomedishes.com

Tasty Pairings

These buns taste heavenly with a hot cup of black tea. For breakfast, I enjoy them lightly toasted with melting butter. They're also wonderful with homemade apricot or strawberry jam.

Your Own Twist

The old-fashioned recipe gets even better with dark chocolate chunks, dried cranberries or a hint of cardamom. For something more modern, adding lemon zest brings an unexpected freshness.

Keeping Them Fresh

These treats stay good for three days in an airtight container at room temp. To bring back their softness, pop them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

After years of making them, these buns mean Easter to me. Each bite tells a story about skills passed down through my family for generations.

Delicious Easter Buns Served Pin it
Delicious Easter Buns Served | athomedishes.com

Dough Wonders

Getting these buns right comes down to perfectly developed dough. Over the years I've learned that patience matters most. Letting the dough rest long enough helps all the flavors grow and makes the texture incredibly soft.

Spice Magic

You need to measure the traditional spices just right. Cinnamon brings that comforting warmth, nutmeg adds subtle depth, and a tiny bit of clove rounds out this flavor trio. These small touches make all the difference.

Icing Done Right

The white cross on top isn't just for looks. It needs the right thickness - not too runny or it'll drip, not too thick or you can't pipe clean lines. The trick is adding liquid to flour bit by bit until you get a smooth paste that holds its shape.

Baking Know-How

Oven temperature really matters. I always start with higher heat for the first few minutes to help them rise, then turn it down a bit for even baking throughout. The golden-brown crust is your best clue they're done.

Perfect Timing

When you eat these buns matters a lot. I always wait about 15 minutes after taking them out of the oven. That's the sweet spot when they're still warm but firm enough to cut nicely.

Making these hot cross buns has become my yearly ritual. Each Easter, I love keeping this tradition going, adding my own little touches while staying true to the original recipe. It's this mix of respecting tradition and loving to cook that makes these buns more than just food - they're a living family treasure passed down with love.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I tell if the rolls are baked through?
They should look golden on top and sound hollow if you tap the bottom. Baking takes about 22-25 minutes at 175°C.
→ Is it possible to make the dough the night before?
Sure! Let the dough rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Bring it to room temperature for about an hour before shaping.
→ Why soak the raisins in orange juice?
It softens the raisins and gives them a citrusy lift, making them flavorful and plump.
→ How can I make the cross look neat?
The mixture for the cross should be thick but spreadable. Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a tiny cut at the tip.
→ Do these rolls freeze well?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Warm them in the oven after thawing to bring back their softness.

Soft Easter Rolls

Spiced Easter rolls with raisins and a signature white cross. Soft, sweet, and perfect for gatherings or special mornings.

Prep Time
180 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
205 Minutes

Category: Baking

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: British

Yield: 15 Servings (15 buns)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough Base

01 1 cup orange juice
02 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 ¾ cup whole milk (warm, 40-43°C)
05 ½ cup + 1 teaspoon brown sugar
06 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
07 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
08 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 2 teaspoons orange zest
10 1 cup raisins
11 1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
13 ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ For the Cross

14 6 tablespoons water
15 2 tablespoons melted butter
16 ½ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

Step 01

Heat up the orange juice and raisins in a small saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes. Let it sit for another 10 minutes once removed from heat. Drain the raisins (discard the juice) and set them aside.

Step 02

In a big mixing bowl, combine the flour, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mix aside for later.

Step 03

Combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let it stand for around 5 minutes or until it looks foamy.

Step 04

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and remaining sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until it turns fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla, and raisins, then mix until everything’s blended.

Step 05

Switch to the dough hook on your mixer. Gradually add the flour mix and yeast mixture until the dough forms a smooth, elastic ball. The texture should be sticky but not too much. Let the mixer knead this dough on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes.

Step 06

Grease a big mixing bowl lightly with oil. Place the dough in, flip it to coat with oil, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, usually 45-60 minutes.

Step 07

Gently press down the dough to release air. Roll it into a 15-inch-long log, then cut it into 15 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into small rounds and roll them into neat balls.

Step 08

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the dough balls in the pan. Cover with another clean towel and leave them to rise again until they double in size, about 30-45 minutes.

Step 09

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the flour and water to form a smooth paste for the cross. Spoon the paste into a plastic bag, snip off a tiny corner, and pipe a cross onto each ball. Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown. Brush the hot rolls with melted butter when they come out.

Notes

  1. Lovely for Easter morning breakfasts.
  2. Store these buns in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
  3. They freeze well for up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Small saucepan
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Plastic bag for piping

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten (flour)
  • Dairy (milk, butter)
  • Eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~