Hot Cross Carrot Bun

Transform your Easter table with these tender and delicious Hot Cross Carrot Buns, a delightful twist on the traditional favorite! Packed with grated carrots for a naturally sweet and moist texture, these spiced buns are infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake to golden perfection. Optional raisins add bursts of fruity sweetness, while the soft, fluffy dough is crowned with a classic vanilla icing cross for that iconic finish. Easy to make with just 25 minutes of prep, these buns are perfect for brunch, teatime, or as a festive treat. Serve them warm with butter or enjoy as-is for a sweet and spiced bite that's guaranteed to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.25 cups Granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 1.5 cups Carrots, finely grated
• 1 cups Warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 0.25 cups Unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large Egg
• 0.5 cups Raisins (optional)
• 0.5 cups Powdered sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoons Milk (for icing)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 2

Stir in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Beat until smooth.

Step 4

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 5

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on medium speed for 5-6 minutes.

Step 6

If using raisins, knead them into the dough during the last minute of kneading.

Step 7

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 8

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 9

Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 10

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 11

Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 12

While the buns are cooling, make the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 13

Once the buns have cooled completely, pipe a cross onto each bun using the icing. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1429.1 grams (1429.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3275

Total Fat 67.50g	87%
Saturated Fat 36.90g	185%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 370mg	123%
Sodium 2858mg	124%
Total Carbohydrate 599.80g	218%
Dietary Fiber 31.30g	112%
Total Sugars 190.60g
Protein 74.30g	149%

Vitamin D 186IU	928%
Calcium 658mg	51%
Iron 27mg	149%
Potassium 2880mg	61%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.4%

Protein: 9.0%

Carbs: 72.6%