These Hot Cross Buns are perfect for your Easter table as a traditional treat.
One a penny, two a penny - Hot Cross Buns! Remember that Mother Goose nursery rhyme? I bet for some of you, this is a treat you grew up with and maybe make for your family.
Even though we didn't grow up eating these tasty treats, traditions around the holidays are so important to me. Passing recipes from generation to generation keeps families connected.
Hot Cross Buns are traditionally a Good Friday day treat. The bun is a nicely raised roll, lightly spiced with cinnamon, cardamom and my version has raisins but you could also use currants. Perfect for a coffee or tea break.
We do have a traditional bread in our Italian family but sadly since my mom passed away 7 years ago, I haven't made it on my own. She had the touch but I know I should give it a try!
They are called Ciambellone - it involves yeast cakes (I have no idea where you can buy them), maraschino cherries, anise seeds and lots of work! Maybe I'll get my girls together and we can figure it out together. I know she would have liked that.
Confession time... mine did not turn out round even though I rolled them into a ball. I'm not sure if they maybe rose too much before I baked them. It certainly didn't effect the taste though...
What kind of traditions do you have around Easter?
Get the Recipe
Hot Cross Buns
Enjoy this traditional Easter roll for breakfast for a snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package dry yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup warm milk (about 115 degrees)
- ¼ cup soft butter
- 1 egg
- 3 ½ cups flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cardamom (or nutmeg)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Icing
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon soft butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- 3-4 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Place warm milk in a large bowl then add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Next add the butter, egg, raisins, salt and remaining sugar. Beat until smooth.
- Stir in enough flour to form a soft dough. (might need additional flour - just don't want dough sticky)
- On a floured surface, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic which takes about 6-8 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, turn once to grease the top then cover and let rise until doubled in a warm area (about 1 hour).
- Punch dough down then place on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 portions and shape each into a ball.
- Place in a greased 13×9″ pan. Cover again and rise until doubled (around 45 minutes
- Remove cover and bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until browned.
- Let cool on wire rack in pan
- Make icing by combining the powered sugar, butter, vanilla and milk (just until it is easy to pipe). Pipe an X on top of each cooled bun (slightly warm)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 265Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 96mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 5g
Nutritional information provided is computer-generated and only an estimate. You may want to do your own research with the ingredients listed if you have concerns about health or specific diets.
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Kelly LifemadeSweeter says
I think your hot cross buns look perfect, Deb! I love how soft and pillowy they are and the cinnamon and cardamom sound fantastic!
Jamie Sherman says
Those buns look perfect, Deb!! Mmmmm! I have never heard of Ciambellone - I would love to see a recipe for that. I bet you could substitute regular yeast in place of the yeast cakes - I haven't seen those in years!
Cathy Trochelman says
These little buns sound amazing! Would be fun to try your mom's recipe....but in the meantime, these look pretty darn delicious!
Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Oh, these look good! Wish I had one now with my cup of coffee.
Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE says
Deb, so yummy!
Thank you so much for linking up with us... Featuring you next week!
Fork says
These look delicious! I bet the icing is to die for!
Cathy McInnes says
These look perfect, moist and yummy! I have always wanted to know how to make my own inside of buying them! Now I know! Yeah! 🙂 I would love for you to share this over at my new link party Making Memories Mondays going on now!
Cathy@threekidsandafish{dot}com
Mariet at Practicingnormal says
The photos are amazing. I can just taste the bread melting in my mouth. I've never thought about trying to make my own. Thank you for sharing the recipe. #WineddownWednesday
Maria says
These look so good! When I lived in England, these were everywhere around Easter time! Seeing your pictures brought back all those memories, I can just smell them! These look fantastic!
Jennie says
Yum! These look so good, I would love if you would stop by and share on my Friday Favorites linkup!
Kathryn says
Oh my goodness! Hot cross buns are one of my favourite things! I love them toasted with a nice spread of butter and cup of tea - but only around Easter! Thanks for sharing : ) I came across you on the weekend retreat link party
Kathryn | Nimble Note
Kimberly Lewis says
This looks incredible! I'm drooling right now. Pinned and tweeted. We are so thrilled to have you at our party. Please stop by on Monday at 7, so we can see your amazing projects. Lou Lou Girls
Karly Campbell says
Incredibly delicious and gorgeous photos! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!
Christine Berres says
I'm rooting for you to connect with your sisters and your Italian heritage! I've never heard of those. But if these are any indication, I bet they'll be wonderful!
Rowena Hailey says
I adore these! Hot cross buns are such fun treats, but I love these even more since they are for breakfast! SO clever. 🙂
Rowena
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