There’s something about Hot Cross Buns that just screams comfort. Whether it’s the soft, spiced dough, the sweet currants or raisins, or that signature cross on top, these buns have a way of bringing joy to any occasion. Perfect for Easter, brunch, or just because you’re craving something warm and fresh out of the oven, this recipe is sure to leave your house smelling like heaven. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. Ready to bake? Let’s dive in!
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Why You’ll Love Hot Cross Buns
These buns are more than just a treat—they’re a tradition, and they’re perfect for so many occasions. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:
- Sweet and Spicy: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives these buns a warm, cozy flavor, while the currants or raisins add just the right touch of sweetness. It’s a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Versatile: Hot Cross Buns aren’t just for Easter—they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a holiday brunch, hosting a tea party, or just enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of tea, these buns are the perfect addition to your table.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s something magical about baking your own bread. The aroma filling your kitchen, the texture of the dough, and that first warm bite—it’s a special experience that’s hard to beat.
- Customizable: While the classic Hot Cross Buns are made with currants or raisins, you can easily swap them for your favorite dried fruits, or even add a handful of chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- A Showstopper: The iconic cross on top not only adds a lovely touch to these buns, but it also makes them a visual treat. They’ll look gorgeous on any table and will definitely impress your guests.
Ingredients
Making these Hot Cross Buns is easier than you might think, and with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying warm, homemade buns in no time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bread Flour: The backbone of any good bread. Bread flour helps create that soft, chewy texture you’re looking for.
- Sugar: For a touch of sweetness to balance the spices and dried fruit. It also helps feed the yeast to make the buns rise.
- Yeast: This is the magic behind the rise. Active dry yeast or instant yeast works perfectly for this recipe.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor, making the buns soft and moist.
- Milk: Gives the dough a smooth texture and adds flavor. You can use whole milk for a richer result, or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.
- Eggs: Adds richness, moisture, and structure to the dough. One egg will go into the dough, and another will be used for egg wash to give the buns that beautiful golden sheen.
- Currants or Raisins: The traditional dried fruits in Hot Cross Buns. They add sweetness and a little chewy texture that complements the spiced dough.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice give the buns their signature warmth and cozy flavor.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the spices.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and richness to the dough.
- Glaze: A simple sugar glaze is drizzled over the top to give the buns a shiny, sweet finish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Hot Cross Buns:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and the yeast. Stir gently, then let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step helps ensure that the yeast is active and ready to rise.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Add in the butter, eggs, vanilla, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Then, knead for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens, so be patient!
- Add the Fruit: After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Add the currants or raisins, then knead the dough a few more times to evenly distribute the fruit.
- Shape the Buns: Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into buns. Arrange the buns in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each one.
- Second Rise: Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up nicely.
- Make the Crosses: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For the cross, mix a little flour with water to make a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off, and pipe a cross over each bun.
- Bake the Buns: Place the buns in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Glaze: While the buns are baking, make the glaze by heating a little water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Once the buns are done baking, brush the glaze over the hot buns to give them a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Cool and Serve: Let the buns cool slightly before serving. They’re perfect when they’re still a little warm, but they also taste great the next day.
How to Serve Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate your experience:
- Butter and Jam: Spread a little butter and your favorite jam on a warm bun for a simple, indulgent treat.
- With Tea or Coffee: Pair these buns with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon snack.
- As a Sweet Breakfast: Serve them as a sweet breakfast option with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt.
- Brunch Favorite: These buns are perfect for a brunch spread, especially when served alongside eggs, fresh fruit, and bacon.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They’re best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but you can also freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat them before serving.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with different spices, like ginger or cloves, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?
A1: Absolutely! A stand mixer with a dough hook will save you some time and effort.
Q2: Can I make Hot Cross Buns without currants or raisins?
A2: Yes! You can swap them for any dried fruit you like, such as sultanas, cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots.
Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just shape the buns, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking.
Q4: How do I store Hot Cross Buns?
A4: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Q5: Can I add chocolate chips?
A5: Definitely! If you’re in the mood for something a little extra, chocolate chips are a delicious addition.
Q6: Can I make these gluten-free?
A6: Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular bread flour, but keep in mind the texture may vary.
Q7: Can I use a different type of dried fruit?
A7: Absolutely! Try using dried apricots, cranberries, or even chopped dates for a unique twist.
Q8: Can I use a different glaze?
A8: Yes! You can use honey or maple syrup for a different flavor on top of the buns.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure you use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones for baking.
Q10: Can I serve Hot Cross Buns warm?
A10: Yes, they’re best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, or gently reheated for a comforting snack.
Conclusion
Hot Cross Buns are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a tradition that brings people together. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something homemade, this recipe is guaranteed to fill your home with delicious smells and warm memories. Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite!
Print
Hot Cross Buns
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Bread, Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: English
Description
These Hot Cross Buns are sweet, lightly spiced, and irresistibly fluffy! Perfect for Good Friday or any time of the year, they’re the ultimate treat for anyone craving soft, flavorful bread. With a fragrant mix of spices and currants, topped with a shiny apricot glaze, these buns are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the buns:
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300 ml (about 1 1/4 cups + 1 tablespoon) whole milk
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80 grams (about 1/2 cup) sugar
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7 grams (about 1 1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
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500 grams (about 3 3/4 cups) bread flour or all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon Kosher salt
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1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1 tablespoon orange zest
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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70 grams (about 5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
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140 grams (about 1 cup) dried currants or raisins
For the crosses:
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75 grams (about 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon) flour
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5 to 6 tablespoons water
For the glaze:
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3 tablespoons apricot jam
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1 tablespoon water
Instructions
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In a saucepan, heat the milk with 20 grams of sugar until the sugar dissolves and the milk begins to steam. Remove from heat and let it cool to lukewarm (100ºF – 110ºF).
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Stir in the yeast and cover with a towel. Let it bloom for 10 minutes until foamy.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, spices, and orange zest.
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With the mixer running on low, add the milk and yeast mixture, vanilla extract, and eggs. Knead until a dough forms, then add butter one tablespoon at a time.
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Once butter is incorporated, knead on medium-high for 3 minutes. Cover with a towel and let rest for 15 minutes.
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Sprinkle currants over the dough and knead again for 3 minutes.
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Transfer dough to a proofing container or bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
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Punch the dough down and divide it into 15 equal parts. Form each into a smooth ball and place on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Let rise for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
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Preheat oven to 375ºF.
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For the cross, mix 75 grams of flour with water until it forms a thick but runny paste. Pipe crosses onto the buns.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
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While the buns bake, heat the apricot jam with water in the microwave for 15 seconds. Strain and brush over the warm buns.
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Let the buns sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the glaze to set, then serve!
Notes
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For a sweeter glaze, you can add a little sugar to the apricot jam before heating.
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These buns are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
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If you prefer, you can use sultanas instead of currants for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg