Description
This Family Favorite Hot Cross Buns recipe delivers warm, spiced, and utterly delicious traditional pastries, perfect for Easter or any time you crave a comforting treat. Easy to make and sure to become a family tradition!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons mixed spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, mixed peel)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for crosses)
- 2–3 tablespoons water (for crosses)
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water (for glaze)
Instructions
- Warm the milk and melt the butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and mixed spices.
- Add the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the dried fruits into the dough evenly.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough to release the air.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun.
- Cover the buns and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Mix flour and water to form a smooth paste for the crosses.
- Place the paste in a piping bag or Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off.
- Pipe crosses onto each bun.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating apricot jam with a little water until smooth.
- Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them with the warm glaze.
- Let them cool slightly and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for best results.
- Do not overheat the milk; it should be warm to the touch, not scalding.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop a good gluten structure.
- A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for rising the dough.
- Brush the glaze on while the buns are still warm for a shiny finish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: hot cross buns, easter, bread, spiced buns, traditional, baking, family favorite, yeast bread, homemade