Description
Learn how to make traditional Hot Cross Buns with this ultimate 7-step recipe. These spiced sweet rolls are a beloved Easter treat, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, or sultanas)
- ½ cup candied peel (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
- ½ cup water (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk well.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, and eggs.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This is a key step in making Hot Cross Buns.
- Incorporate Dried Fruits: Gently fold in dried fruits until evenly distributed.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled. This is an important step in the Hot Cross Buns making process.
- Shape Buns: Punch down dough, divide into 12 portions, and shape into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut crosses on top of each bun with a sharp knife.
- Bake Buns: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze: While buns bake, combine ½ cup water and 1 tablespoon sugar in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer until dissolved. Brush the warm syrup over the hot buns for a glaze.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh ingredients.
- Be patient during the rising process; warmer environments speed it up.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices.
- Glazing is optional but adds a lovely sheen and sweetness.
- Ensure buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped to check for doneness.
- Store baked buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Unglazed buns can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw, glaze, and warm before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: English
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: Not specified