Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Closeup of a quick and easy hot cross bun with an orange icing cross on the top. Ready for Easter brunch.

Quick And Easy Hot Cross Buns


Description

Quick And Easy Hot Cross Buns are a delicious Easter tradition made simpler by using frozen bread dough.  Perfect for your Easter holiday meal.


Ingredients

Scale

1 (1-pound) loaf frozen bread dough

½ cup raisins

2 tablespoons spiced rum (I used Captain Morgan’s)

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 large egg

¾ cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon orange juice

½ teaspoon orange extract


Instructions

Thaw the bread dough per the package instructions.

Place the thawed dough in a large bowl that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.  Let stand until it becomes room temperature and is very pliable – about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, place the raisins and rum into a small bowl.  Allow the raisins to soak for 30-40 minutes.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.  Set aside.

Add the raisins and rum to the dough bowl.  Sprinkle the nutmeg, cinnamon, and orange zest over the dough.

Lightly knead the raisins, spices, and zest into the dough.

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.

Shape each piece into a round roll and place on the prepared baking sheet about 2-inches apart.

Cover the rolls with a tea towel and allow them to rise until they are doubled in size – about 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with one tablespoon of water.  Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the egg mixture over the rolls.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown – about 20 minutes.

Transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool completely.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the orange juice, extract, and powdered sugar together until smooth, but thick.

Spoon the mixture into a small zip-top bag.  Snip off a very small corner.

Pipe an ‘X’ with the icing on the top of each roll.

Serve at room temperature.

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Thawing time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: British

Keywords: quick and easy hot cross buns, hot cross buns, Easter recipes, British recipes, frozen bread dough