Hot Cross Muffins

By
Editor
-
0
9

Hot Cross Muffins are a delightful twist on the classic Hot Cross Buns, offering all the familiar flavors of the traditional Easter treat in an easy-to-make muffin form. These moist and tender muffins are filled with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with dried fruit, and topped with a sweet cross made from icing. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these muffins capture the essence of the beloved hot cross buns but with the simplicity of a muffin. They’re an excellent addition to any Easter celebration or as a comforting treat year-round.

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, or sultanas)

For the Cross:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp milk or lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the muffin cups.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and both sugars.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Combine and fold: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the mixed dried fruit.
  5. Fill the muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
  6. Bake: Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the icing: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with enough milk or lemon juice to create a thick, smooth icing. Transfer the icing to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off.
  8. Decorate the muffins: Once the muffins are cool, pipe a cross on the top of each muffin using the icing.

Enjoy these Hot Cross Muffins as a festive and flavorful treat, perfect for Easter or any time you crave a spiced, fruity baked good!