Hot cross muffins

Enjoy the delightful flavors of traditional hot cross buns in muffin form with this easy Hot Cross Muffins recipe. Made with dried cranberries, currants, and a blend of warm spices, these moist muffins are perfect for any occasion. Simply mix self-raising flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg with vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and sugar. Top with a sweet powdered sugar and lemon glaze for a delicious finishing touch. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these muffins are sure to become a favorite!

  • 10 Jun 2024
  • Cook time 25 min
  • Prep time 20 min
  • 10 Servings
  • 12 Ingredients

Hot cross muffins

Hot Cross Muffins are a delightful twist on the traditional Hot Cross Buns, perfect for an Easter treat or any time you crave a spiced, fruity muffin. By combining classic ingredients with an easy muffin-making process, you'll get moist, flavorful muffins with a tangy lemon glaze.

Ingredients:

1 cup dried cranberries
150g
1 cup currants
160g
2 cups self-raising flour
300g
1 tsp baking soda
5g
2 tsp cinnamon
6g
1 tsp ground nutmeg
5g
1/3 cup vegetable oil
50g
1 cup buttermilk
230g
2 eggs
100g
1 cup sugar
200g
1/2 cup powdered sugar
80g
1 tsp lemon juice
5g

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour (300g), baking soda (5g), cinnamon (6g), and ground nutmeg (5g).
- Add the dried cranberries (150g) and currants (160g) to the flour mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the dried fruits are well-coated in the flour mixture.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil (50g), buttermilk (230g), and eggs (100g) until well-combined.
- Add the sugar (200g) to the wet ingredients and continue whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this can make the muffins dense.
5. Fill the Muffin Tins:
- Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Bake:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The muffins should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin should come out clean.
7. Cool:
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar (80g) and lemon juice (5g). Stir until smooth and lump-free.
9. Glaze the Muffins:
- Once the muffins are completely cooled, use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each muffin, forming a cross pattern to resemble traditional hot cross buns.
10. Serve:
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious hot cross muffins with a cup of tea or coffee!

Tips:

- Ensure that all your wet ingredients (eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil) are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smoother batter and even baking results.

- Don't overmix the batter. Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

- For an extra burst of flavor, you can soak the dried cranberries and currants in orange juice or rum for about 20 minutes before adding them to the batter.

- Fill the muffin tins about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.

- If you don't have self-raising flour, you can make your own by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

- Let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to remove.

- For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a little lemon juice or milk.

Your Hot Cross Muffins are ready to be enjoyed! These spiced and fruity muffins are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. The lemon glaze adds a refreshing touch, making them a delicious treat for any occasion. Serve them warm or at room temperature and watch them disappear quickly!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size130 grams
Energy
Calories 330kcal13%
Protein
Protein 5g4%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 72g22%
Fiber 2.82g7%
Sugar 50g49%
Fat
Fat 7g8%
Saturated 0.87g3%
Cholesterol 40mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 20ug2%
Choline 40mg7%
Vitamin B1 0.13mg11%
Vitamin B2 0.07mg6%
Vitamin B3 0.83mg5%
Vitamin B6 0.06mg4%
Vitamin B9 16ug4%
Vitamin B12 0.10ug4%
Vitamin C 1.01mg1%
Vitamin E 0.45mg3%
Vitamin K 1.98ug2%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 33mg3%
Copper, Cu 0.13mg0%
Iron, Fe 0.96mg9%
Magnesium, Mg 20mg5%
Phosphorus, P 80mg6%
Potassium, K 200mg6%
Selenium, Se 10ug17%
Sodium, Na 160mg11%
Zinc, Zn 0.57mg5%
Water
Water 16g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

Lite parmesan & spice crackers

Simple ingredients, quick prep, and irresistible taste—bake a batch today.

16 May 2024

Korean-style romaine salad with sesame butter and soy sauce

Ideal for a light lunch or a side with your favorite Korean meals.

11 Mar 2024

Orange delicious

Whether for a special occasion or a delightful treat, this easy-to-follow recipe will leave you craving more.

09 May 2024

Pumpkin, brown rice and spinach salad

Perfect as a wholesome meal or a nutritious side dish.

26 Mar 2024

Pressure cooker winter squash and lentil stew with shallots, ginger, coriander and cardamom

Ready in no time, it’s a comforting meal that’s both wholesome and quick to prepare.

18 Mar 2024

Lemon fish with sauteed beans and tomatoes

Ready in under 30 minutes.

19 Apr 2024

Asparagus noodles with pesto

Enhanced with a hint of lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and peppery arugula, it's a healthy and flavorful meal you'll love! Ready in just under 30 minutes, it's the perfect light and savory dish for any occasion.

29 Apr 2024

Peach and banana oat smoothie

Packed with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein, it keeps you energized and satisfied.

18 May 2024

Low-carb spicy egg drop soup

Perfect for a quick, keto-friendly meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your healthy eating goals.

12 May 2024

Ham and cheese chicken roll-ups

Paired with nutritious broccoli spears, this is a delicious and wholesome meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

29 Mar 2024

Fluffy pancakes

Perfect for breakfast or brunch.

25 Apr 2024

Braised chicken with spinach and lentils

Simple, nutritious, and delicious.

10 Apr 2024

Easy macadamia-crusted salmon

Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a simple yet exquisite way to enjoy salmon.

24 May 2024

Spiced honey biscuits

Easy to make and impossible to resist, these homemade treats are sure to impress.

10 Mar 2024

Prosciutto, dill and lemon potato salad

Perfect for a flavorful and refreshing side dish.

10 Apr 2024

Lemon pistachio bliss balls

Easy to make and absolutely irresistible.

24 May 2024

Coconut-crusted chicken cabbage salad with paprika and vinegar

Perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal.

30 Apr 2024

Orange and pistachio cake

This easy-to-follow recipe combines rich, buttery sweetness with a hint of citrus and fragrant spices for a delightful and unique dessert experience.

06 May 2024

Chocolate souffle pudding

Elevate your dessert game with this irresistibly delicious treat.

13 Apr 2024

Fresh caprese salad with olive oil, basil and seasonings

Seasoned perfectly with salt and black pepper, this classic Italian dish makes a refreshing and healthy side or appetizer.

13 Apr 2024

Gingernut biscuits

Easy to bake and delightfully crisp, enjoy these homemade treats that are sure to become a family favorite.

09 Apr 2024

Basic meringues

Whip up a batch today and enjoy their delicate sweetness.

02 May 2024

Potato rosti with smoked salmon

An elegant and flavorful meal perfect for brunch or a light dinner.

03 Apr 2024

Chocolate caramel tart

Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat anytime.

29 Apr 2024