Hot Cross Muffins
Warm, spiced muffins with sweet raisins and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a powdered sugar cross, perfect for breakfast or teatime treats enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into a medium bowl.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Beat the egg, oil, and 2/3 cup of Carnation milk together.
- Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry ingredients.
- Stir with a wooden spoon until the flour is just moistened.
- Stir in raisins.
- Spoon the batter into buttered muffin tins, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Remove muffins from tins and let cool.
- Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of Carnation milk to make a glaze.
- Pipe or spread a cross of the glaze over each muffin before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter muffin, sift the flour twice and consider using whole wheat flour for added nutrition. You can substitute half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. If you don’t have raisins, dried cranberries or chopped apricots work well too. For an extra flavor boost, try adding orange zest to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or alongside a cup of tea. They also pair beautifully with Aunt Beatrice's Dumplings for a delightful brunch spread. Drizzle with extra glaze for added sweetness if desired.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Cross Muffins contains roughly 453 calories, with 2g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 724mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to bake them fresh. If baked in advance, let them cool completely before storing.
What can I use instead of Carnation milk?
You can substitute Carnation milk with any non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Regular whole milk or buttermilk also works as a replacement without affecting the muffin’s texture.
How can I make these muffins more festive?
To enhance the festive feel, consider adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or incorporate chocolate chips. Topping with colorful sprinkles before baking can also add a fun visual appeal for special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).