There’s something special about the smell of freshly baked sweet rolls during Easter morning. Soft, slightly sweet, and filled with warm spices and juicy raisins—these buns bring comfort and tradition to your table.
They’re best served warm with a little butter and a cup of coffee, tea, or milk.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup raisins or candied fruit
Cross (paste):
- 1/3 cup flour
- 3–4 tbsp water
Glaze:
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
1. Activate yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, spices, and orange zest.
Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until dough forms.
3. Knead + add fruit
Knead the dough until smooth (about 8–10 minutes), then mix in raisins.
4. First rise
Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled.
5. Shape
Divide into equal balls and place on a baking tray. Let rest 20–30 minutes.
6. Add crosses
Mix flour + water into a paste and pipe crosses on top.
7. Bake
Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
8. Glaze
Brush warm buns with sugar syrup for a shiny, soft finish.
Extra Tip (makes it better)
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds for texture, or a splash of vanilla extract for deeper flavor.
