If you’re looking for a sweet and spicy treat that’s perfect for any holiday or family gathering, look no further than Hot Cross Buns. With their soft, fluffy texture, fragrant spices, and that signature cross on top, these buns are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them for Easter or simply craving something warm and comforting, these buns are a must-try.
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The best part? Making them from scratch fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma, and trust me, they’re worth every step. Get ready for a bake that’ll bring your kitchen to life and fill your heart with joy.
Why You’ll Love Hot Cross Buns
There’s so much to love about these sweet little buns. Here’s why they’ll become your go-to recipe for any occasion:
Perfectly Soft & Fluffy
Each bite is a pillowy cloud of sweetness, with just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg spice.
Iconic Cross on Top
The cross isn’t just for looks; it adds a lovely touch and makes these buns extra special.
Great for Sharing
These buns are the perfect thing to share with friends and family. They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a snack with your afternoon tea.
Deliciously Spiced
A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives these buns the perfect hint of warmth and sweetness.
Easy to Make
Despite their impressive appearance, these buns are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll be enjoying fresh, homemade Hot Cross Buns in no time!
Ingredients in Hot Cross Buns
To make these soft and spiced buns, you’ll need just a few pantry essentials:
Flour: The foundation of the buns, giving them that soft, fluffy texture.
Yeast: Helps the buns rise and gives them that perfect, airy crumb.
Milk & Butter: Adds richness and moisture for the perfect soft dough.
Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the spice.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice come together to create the warm, comforting flavor.
Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Currants or Raisins: For a touch of sweetness and a burst of fruit in every bite.
(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is included in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Add the yeast mixture, butter, and eggs, and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Add the Fruit
Fold in the currants or raisins, and knead gently until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each bun.
Let the Buns Rise Again
Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Prepare the Cross
While the buns rise, prepare the cross mixture by combining flour and water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.
Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
Glaze the Buns
Once the buns are out of the oven, mix together a little sugar and water to create a glaze. Brush it over the buns while they’re still warm to give them that perfect shine.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm and enjoy with butter or jam, or just on their own—they’re perfect either way!
How to Serve Hot Cross Buns
These buns are delicious on their own or with a variety of toppings. Here are a few ideas:
Butter: Slather on a little butter for that classic Hot Cross Bun experience.
Jam or Marmalade: A spoonful of sweet jam or tangy marmalade pairs beautifully with the soft, spiced buns.
Cream Cheese: For something extra indulgent, spread some cream cheese for a rich contrast.
Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these buns with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
Additional Tips
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, milk, and eggs are at room temperature to help the dough come together easily.
Add a Zesty Twist: Try adding orange zest to the dough for a fresh citrus note.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before. Simply refrigerate it overnight, and then let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the buns.
Freezing Tip: These buns freeze wonderfully! Simply let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use different dried fruit?
A1: Yes, you can substitute currants with raisins, sultanas, or even cranberries for a unique twist.
Q2: Can I make these buns without eggs?
A2: Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer if you need a vegan version.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture.
Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the dough before it rises. Shape the buns, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them rise before baking as usual.
Q5: How do I make a thicker cross on top?
A5: To make a thicker cross, simply pipe a thicker paste using more flour, or pipe two lines—one horizontal and one vertical—on top of each bun.
Q6: Can I add more spice to the dough?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. More cinnamon, cloves, or even ginger would all be fantastic in this recipe.
Q7: How long do the buns take to rise?
A7: The dough usually rises in about 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Make sure the dough is doubled in size before moving on to the next step.
Q8: Can I make the cross with icing instead?
A8: Yes! You can use a simple icing sugar glaze for the cross, though the traditional flour paste gives it a more classic look.
Q9: Can I add a glaze to the cross as well?
A9: Yes, a simple glaze of sugar and water adds shine and sweetness to the buns and makes the cross stand out even more!
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients, and you’ll have twice as many buns to share (or enjoy on your own)!
Conclusion
These Hot Cross Buns are the ultimate treat warm, sweet, and packed with spices, they’re perfect for sharing and bringing some joy to any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have soft, fluffy buns that will become an instant favorite. Give them a try and watch as they become a new tradition in your kitchen!
Print
Hot Cross Buns
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western,
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Hot Cross Buns are fluffy, perfectly spiced, and topped with a sweet glaze. With a blend of cinnamon, allspice, and sultanas, these buns are perfect for Easter or any occasion. Watch the video for tips on kneading and shaping the dough for perfect golden buns!
Ingredients
For the Buns
- 3 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast (9 grams)
- 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 1 1/2 cups (375ml) warm milk (full-fat or low-fat)
- 4 1/4 cups (640g) bread flour (or plain/all-purpose flour)
- 2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 tsp All Spice OR Mixed Spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (210g) sultanas
- 1–2 oranges, zest only
- 50g / 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- Extra flour for dough (1/4 cup / 35g)
For the Crosses
- 1/2 cup (75g) flour (any white flour)
- 5 tbsp water
For the Glaze
- 1 tbsp apricot jam
- 2 tsp water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Place flour, yeast, sugar, allspice, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Mix briefly with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add melted butter, warm milk, egg, sultanas, and orange zest.
- Standmixer: Mix for 5 minutes until smooth, elastic dough forms. Start on speed 2, then increase to speed 4. If needed, add extra flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Hand Kneading: Dust a work surface with flour and knead by hand for 10 minutes until smooth.
- First Rise:
- Leave the dough in the bowl, cover with cling wrap, and place in a warm, wind-free spot. Let it rise until doubled in size (about 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours).
- Shape the Dough:
- After rising, punch the dough to deflate.
- Shape it into a log, then cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a lined 9×13 tray.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the tray with lightly oiled cling wrap and let the dough rise for 30–45 minutes, or until it’s about 75% risen. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Make the Crosses:
- Mix flour and water to form a thick but runny paste.
- Spoon into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe crosses onto the buns.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22 minutes, until the surface is a deep golden brown.
- Glaze:
- While baking, microwave the apricot jam and water for 30 seconds and stir to combine.
- Brush the glaze over the warm buns after removing them from the oven.
- Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the orange zest and sultanas to suit your taste, or substitute the sultanas for raisins.
- These buns are best served warm on the day they’re made.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun (approx. 1/12 of the recipe)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg