Easter Baking Recipes to Delight the Whole Family
Easter is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious baked treats? From classic hot cross buns to decadent chocolate nests, there's an Easter baking recipe for everyone.
Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter bread that is often enjoyed on Good Friday. They are made with a sweet dough that is flavored with cinnamon and raisins, and they are marked with a cross on top.
To make hot cross buns, you will need:
* 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 cup (200ml) warm milk
* 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/4 cup (50g) caster sugar
* 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 cup (100g) raisins
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, milk, butter, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until a dough forms.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
3. Add the raisins to the dough and knead for another minute.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
7. Shape the pieces into buns and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
9. Brush the buns with the egg wash and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Chocolate Nests
Chocolate nests are a fun and easy Easter treat that is perfect for kids. They are made with a chocolate shell that is filled with candy eggs or other treats.
To make chocolate nests, you will need:
* 1 cup (200g) chocolate chips
* 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
* 12 candy eggs or other treats
* Mini chocolate eggs, for decoration
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
4. Drop spoonfuls of melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet to form nests.
5. Press a candy egg or other treat into the center of each nest.
6. Decorate with mini chocolate eggs.
7. Let set for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is hardened.
Easter Egg Sugar Cookies
Easter egg sugar cookies are a classic Easter treat that is always a hit with kids. They are made with a simple sugar cookie dough that is cut into egg shapes and decorated with frosting and sprinkles.
To make Easter egg sugar cookies, you will need:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Royal icing, for decorating
* Sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
7. Cut out egg shapes with a cookie cutter.
8. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Let cool on a wire rack before decorating.
11. To decorate, pipe royal icing around the edges of the cookies and add sprinkles.
12. Let dry completely before serving.