Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns are a beloved, traditional treat, often associated with Easter celebrations, though they can be enjoyed year-round. These sweet, spiced buns are a comforting blend of soft dough, currants or raisins, and a signature cross on top, symbolizing the cross of Good Friday. The slightly sweet flavor and soft, pillowy texture make them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack throughout the day. Glazed with a sugary coating and sometimes topped with a simple icing cross, these buns hold a warm, nostalgic place in many people’s hearts.

The recipe for Hot Cross Buns is both simple and satisfying, as it combines the joy of baking with the reward of a sweet, spiced aroma wafting through the house. The dough is enriched with butter and milk, giving it a rich flavor that complements the dried fruit and spices, while the cross on top makes them instantly recognizable. Whether you’re making them as part of a holiday tradition or simply to indulge in a special treat, Hot Cross Buns never fail to bring smiles to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Spiced

The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives these buns a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for any season.

2. Soft and Fluffy

With a rich dough made from butter and milk, these buns are incredibly soft and fluffy, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Versatile Serving Options

Serve them warm with butter, jam, or even as part of a breakfast spread. They can be enjoyed in a variety of ways throughout the day.

4. A Lovely Tradition

Making Hot Cross Buns is a fun and meaningful tradition, especially around Easter. It’s a way to enjoy the holidays with a delicious, homemade treat.

5. Great for Gifting

These buns make a lovely gift, packaged in a cute box or bag, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or just sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground allspice
• Milk
• Butter
• Eggs
• Raisins or currants
• Lemon zest (optional)
• Warm water
• Icing sugar
• Water (for icing)
• Egg wash (egg and milk)

Variations

1. Fruit Variations

Swap raisins or currants for other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or sultanas to suit your tastes.

2. Add Orange Zest

For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add a bit of orange zest to the dough.

3. Spiced Hot Cross Buns

Incorporate a bit of ground ginger or cloves for an even spicier twist.

4. Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

Mix in small pieces of chocolate for a sweeter, dessert-style bun that kids will love.

5. Vegan Hot Cross Buns

Replace the butter with vegan margarine, use plant-based milk, and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir in the lemon zest (if using) and raisins or currants.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Add the activated yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and combine.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Let it Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round bun and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the tray with a clean towel and let the buns rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up and almost touching.

Step 8: Brush with Egg Wash

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the tops of the buns with a mixture of beaten egg and milk for a golden, shiny finish.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10: Make the Cross

While the buns are baking, mix icing sugar with a little water to form a smooth, thick icing. Once the buns have cooled slightly, pipe a cross over each bun using the icing.

Step 11: Glaze the Buns

For a sweet finish, brush the tops of the buns with a sugar syrup or glaze for extra shine and sweetness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Proof Your Yeast

Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. Too hot or too cold water can prevent the yeast from rising.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough

Knead the dough just enough to bring it together and create a smooth texture. Over-kneading can make the buns dense.

3. Allow for Proper Rising

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best results. Be patient and allow it to double in size for a light, airy texture.

4. Use Fresh Spices

Freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice will elevate the flavor and give the buns an extra aromatic touch.

5. Serve Warm

Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed warm out of the oven, but they can also be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds or toasted for added crunch.

How to Serve

• With Butter: Spread a generous amount of butter on a warm bun for a simple and delightful treat.
• With Jam: Add your favorite fruit jam for an extra touch of sweetness.
• As Part of Breakfast: Enjoy them as part of a hearty breakfast with eggs and coffee.
• With Tea: Hot Cross Buns pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea for a light afternoon snack.
• For Dessert: Drizzle with honey or top with whipped cream for a sweet dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Hot Cross Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, though they may dry out slightly.

Freezing

These buns freeze beautifully. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat Hot Cross Buns by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual buns for about 20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use other dried fruits besides raisins or currants?

Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like sultanas, cranberries, or dried apricots.

2. How can I make these buns spicier?

Add a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough, or try adding ground ginger for an extra kick.

3. Do I need to use milk in the dough?

Milk adds richness to the buns, but if you prefer, you can substitute with water or a dairy-free milk alternative.

4. Can I make these buns without yeast?

Yeast is essential for the buns to rise and achieve their soft texture. You can try using baking powder as a substitute, but the results will differ.

5. What can I use instead of butter?

You can use margarine or vegetable oil as a substitute for butter, though the flavor will differ slightly.

6. Can I skip the icing cross?

Yes, the buns will still be delicious without the icing cross, but it adds a traditional touch.

7. How can I make these buns vegan?

To make them vegan, replace the milk with a plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup.

8. Can I make these buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise the night before, then bake the buns the next morning.

9. How do I know when the buns are done baking?

The buns should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

10. Can I use a bread machine?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough, following the manufacturer’s instructions for dough recipes.

Conclusion

Hot Cross Buns are a delightful, sweet, and spiced treat that brings a warm, nostalgic touch to any occasion. Whether for Easter, a special brunch, or a simple afternoon snack, these buns are sure to impress. With their soft texture, rich flavors, and the iconic cross on top, they are as fun to bake as they are to eat. So, gather your ingredients and try baking a batch of Hot Cross Buns for a delicious, homemade treat that will fill your home with the sweet aroma of spice and warmth.

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