Hot Cross Buns

The aroma of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns wafts through the air, conjuring up memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. I remember the first time I attempted to make these delightful buns; it was during Easter, and the excitement in the kitchen was palpable. The combination of spices and the sweetness from the raisins created a symphony of flavors that enveloped the home. This recipe quickly became a staple, not only for its rich heritage but also for the joy it brings to those who gather around the table. There’s something truly special about pulling apart a warm bun, revealing its soft, fluffy texture, and then drizzling it with sweet icing. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, Hot Cross Buns have a way of making any moment feel like a celebration. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you, so you can create your own memories!

What Goes Into Hot Cross Buns

When it comes to Hot Cross Buns, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and texture. Each ingredient contributes to the overall experience, creating a bun that is soft, sweet, and warmly spiced. From the rich butter to the aromatic spices, every element works in harmony to create a delightful treat.

• Milk – 1 cup, lukewarm (105-110°F): Essential for activating the yeast and contributing to the soft texture.
• Granulated Sugar – ½ cup: Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast for rising.
• Instant Yeast – 0.25 ounces (1 packet): The leavening agent that makes the buns light and fluffy.
• All-Purpose Flour – 4 cups: The backbone of the recipe, providing structure and chewiness.
• Kosher Salt – 1 teaspoon: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough.
• Ground Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon: A classic spice that adds warmth and depth.
• Ground Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon: A fragrant spice that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Ground Allspice – ¼ teaspoon: Provides a unique flavor that enhances the overall spice profile.
• Raisins – ¾ cup: Adds natural sweetness and texture, making each bite delightful.
• Large Eggs – 2, room temperature: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Unsalted Butter – 6 tablespoons, melted: Introduces richness and moisture to the buns.
• Large Egg – 1: Used for the egg wash to give a beautiful golden finish.
• All-Purpose Flour – ½ cup (for cross): Used to create the cross pattern on top of the buns.
• Water – 5 tablespoons: Mixed with flour to form a paste for the cross.
• Powdered Sugar – ½ cup: For the sweet icing that tops the buns.
• Milk – 2 tablespoons (for icing): Adds creaminess to the icing.
• Orange Zest – ½ teaspoon: A hint of citrus brightness elevates the flavors.

The Process for Making Hot Cross Buns

Making Hot Cross Buns is a delightful experience! The process allows you to engage with your food, feeling the dough come together under your hands. Follow these steps to create your own soft, fluffy buns that will fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma.

1. Start by combining milk, granulated sugar, and instant yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This is crucial as it shows that the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.
2. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and raisins together. This mixture will add flavor and texture to your buns.
3. Add the eggs and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine and form a wet mixture.
4. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and mix on low speed until the ingredients are combined, about 1 minute. You want to ensure everything is well incorporated.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two installments while continuing to mix on low speed for 4-5 minutes. The dough should come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
6. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing it in a warm oven set to 200°F.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape it into a ball. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, then divide each part into 3 equal pieces, totaling 12 pieces (each about 93 grams).
8. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving some space between them for rising. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise again in a warm spot for about 45 minutes until puffy. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F.
9. In a small dish, whisk together the large egg and a couple of teaspoons of water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the risen buns before baking for that golden color.
10. To make the paste for the cross, mix all-purpose flour and water until smooth. Transfer this mixture to a sealable plastic bag and snip the corner. Once the buns have risen, pipe the mixture in a cross shape on each bun.
11. Bake the buns for 20 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the smell will guide you!
12. After baking, allow the buns to rest for a few minutes. For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and orange zest. Brush this sweet mixture over the warm buns for an irresistible finish.

Change It Up

Baking Hot Cross Buns opens up a world of possibilities! If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some ways to personalize your buns.

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different dried fruits such as cranberries, currants, or apricots. The taste will change, but the essence remains the same.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth.
• Nutty Addition: Feel free to fold in chopped nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor. Just keep the total add-ins to 1 cup.
• Glazing Options: Instead of icing, consider a simple glaze made with warm honey mixed with water for a shiny finish.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• Freezing: Baked buns can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Serving Suggestions: These buns are fantastic toasted with butter or served with a cup of tea.

What Goes Well With This Hot Cross Buns

Pairing Hot Cross Buns with the right accompaniments can enhance your enjoyment of these festive delights. Here are some suggestions:

• Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of tea or coffee complements the sweet flavor perfectly, making it ideal for breakfast or afternoon tea.
• Spreadable Butter: For an extra indulgent treat, spread some rich, creamy butter on a warm bun.
• Cheese: A mild cheese, such as cream cheese or ricotta, pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bun.
• Fruit Preserves: Serve with a side of fruit preserves or jam for a burst of flavor.
• Seasonal Fruits: Fresh fruits like strawberries or citrus slices add a refreshing contrast.
• Brunch Buffets: These buns are a great addition to any brunch spread, alongside salads and quiches.
• Picnics: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, Hot Cross Buns can be a sweet treat at a picnic.

FAQ

Conclusion

The special thing about Hot Cross Buns is not just their unique flavor but also the warmth they bring to any occasion, creating lasting memories with loved ones. I encourage you to try making them yourself; the joy of pulling them fresh from your oven is unmatched. Whether for Easter or just a cozy weekend treat, these buns will surely bring smiles to your table!

Hot Cross Buns

The ultimate comfort food for Easter, Hot Cross Buns are soft, spiced, and adorned with a sweet glaze. These delightful buns are perfect for breakfast or a special treat. Make a batch to enjoy warm from the oven, and create family memories that last a lifetime!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: British

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Milk lukewarm (105-110°F)
• ½ cup Granulated Sugar
• 0.25 ounces Instant Yeast 1 packet
• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Allspice
• ¾ cup Raisins
• 2 Large Eggs room temperature
• 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter melted (¾ stick)
• 1 Large Egg
• ½ cup All-Purpose Flour for cross
• 5 tablespoons Water
• ½ cup Powdered Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• ½ teaspoon Orange Zest

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional)
• Stand mixer
• 9×13 Baking Pan

Method

 

1. Start by combining milk, granulated sugar, and instant yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and raisins.
3. Add the eggs and melted butter to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
4. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and mix on low speed until combined, about 1 minute.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two installments while continuing to mix on low speed for 4-5 minutes.
6. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which typically takes 45-60 minutes.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
8. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, then divide each part into 3 equal pieces to get 12 pieces.
9. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise again in a warm spot for about 45 minutes.
10. In a small dish, whisk together the large egg and a couple of teaspoons of water. Brush this over the risen buns.
11. To make the paste for the cross, mix all-purpose flour and water until smooth. Transfer this mixture to a sealable bag and snip the corner.
12. Once the buns have risen, pipe the cross on each bun and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
13. After baking, allow the buns to rest for a few minutes. For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and orange zest. Brush this sweet mixture over the warm buns.

Notes

• Measure your dry ingredients: Use the spoon-and-level method to prevent dry buns.
• Use active dried yeast: You can use active dried yeast in this recipe, but the buns may take longer to rise.
• Swap for bread flour: For chewier hot cross buns, swap some (or all) of the all-purpose flour for bread flour.
• Use any dried fruits: You can use any dried fruits in these buns, or a mixture of dried fruits and candied citrus peels.
• Add chopped nuts: Feel free to add chopped nuts instead of (or in addition to) the raisins.
• Knead by hand: If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes.
• Cool before icing: Cool the buns completely before icing them!

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Meet Piper Cross

I am obsessed with using fresh, seasonal produce to make meals shine. I believe a squeeze of citrus or a handful of herbs can change everything. I cooked and photographed this dish with a focus on vibrant colors and natural textures, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes when you make it.