Hot Cross Buns Recipe

They hold something for Hot Cross Buns. Every year, I make them, and quite honestly, they are easy to do. The warm spices and the soft dough, a little sweet glaze, make it impossible to resist. These buns are intended to be eaten fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter; pure comfort food.

What are Hot Cross Buns All About?

Soft, spiced sweet rolls, Hot Cross Buns, are filled with raisins or currants. The cross on the top adds to the dish’s identity, usually piped through flour paste or icing. This sweet dish is available during Easter time. Its ingredients rest cozily into warm spices, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and, a touch, perhaps, of citrus. It resembles sweet bread along with slightly spiced cake.

Ingredients

For the dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 ¼ cups warm milk
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup raisins or currants

For the cross

• ½ cup flour
• 5 tbsp water

For the glaze

• ¼ cup apricot jam (warmed and strained)

Instructions

1. Mix flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a big bowl.
2. Add in warm milk, butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
4. Knead the raisins in gently.
5. Put the dough into a greased bowl and cover. Let rise for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled.
6. Punch down the dough, divide it into 12 balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
7. Cover and leave again to rise for 30-40 minutes before baking.
8. Mix some flour with water for the cross, and pipe across each bun.
9. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
10. Brush apricot jam onto warm buns for that shiny finish.

Storage Tips

• Cool the buns completely and place them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze them for 2 months, just reheat before serving.  

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with butter melted on top.
• Toasted with honey or cream cheese goes well, too.
• Cozy up with coffee or tea for a snack.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Extra flavor can be given by adding orange or lemon zest.
• Swap raisins for chocolate chips if you prefer.
• Whole wheat flour could be used for a healthier version.

FAQs

1. Are raisins an absolute must in Hot Cross Buns?

Nope! You can eliminate them or use chocolate chips, cranberries, or walnuts.

2. What can I do to make these dairy-free?

Use vegetable milk and dairy-free butter.

3. I am very spice-averse. Can I tone it down?

Well, you could use half the cinnamon and nothing else if you like!

4. Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and allow it to rise overnight in the refrigerator.

Try It!

Hot Cross Buns are a recipe like that-they are festive yet simple enough to be made anytime. They love to fill your kitchen with the heavenly aroma and taste best when eaten hot from the oven. Do try the recipe; you are going to enjoy every bit of it!