Hot Cross Buns are a delightful spiced sweet bun that carries history and tradition. These fluffy treats, adorned with their iconic cross on top, are perfect for sharing with family and friends, especially during the Easter season. Each bite offers a blend of sweetness, spice, and the comforting taste of dried fruits.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own Hot Cross Buns at home can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do you control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality, but you also create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. The aroma of baking buns will fill your home with delightful scents, while the taste of homemade buns is far superior to store-bought options. Plus, there’s something special about carrying on the tradition of baking Hot Cross Buns.
How to Make Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast (9 grams) (Note 1, CHECK still active!)
- 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 1 1/2 cups (375ml) milk, warm (full fat or low fat) (Note 2)
- 4 1/4 cups (640g) bread flour (or plain/all-purpose) (Note 3)
- 2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 tsp All Spice (OR Mixed Spice) (Note 4)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (210g) sultanas (Note 4)
- 1-2 oranges, zest only (Note 4)
- 50g / 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup (35g) extra bread flour
- 1/2 cup (75g) flour (any white flour)
- 5 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp apricot jam (Note 7)
- 2 tsp water
Directions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, all spice, cinnamon, and salt. Briefly mix using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the butter, warm milk, egg, sultanas, and zest to the dry mix.
- Mix the Dough: If using a stand mixer, mix for about 5 minutes until a smooth elastic dough forms. Start at speed 2; once combined, increase to speed 4. If the dough sticks too much, add extra flour gradually until it pulls away from the bowl.
- Alternative Method: For hand kneading, dust a work surface with flour and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
- Forming Balls: After the first rise, divide the dough and shape it into balls. Arrange these on a baking tray.
- Second Rise: Cover and let the dough balls rise again until puffed up.
- Make Crosses: Lightly mix the extra flour and water to make a paste. Pipe or spread the mixture in the shape of crosses on top of each bun.
- Baking and Glazing: Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Brush with apricot jam mixed with water to give a lovely glaze.
How to Serve Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns can be served warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own but can be enjoyed with butter, honey, or even jam. They make an excellent breakfast option or an afternoon snack with tea.
How to Store Hot Cross Buns
To store Hot Cross Buns, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Simply wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place in a container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Hot Cross Buns
- Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise.
- Use warm milk, but not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Make sure to knead well, as this develops the gluten for a fluffy texture.
- Feel free to add other dried fruits or spices to customize your buns!
Variation
You can try adding chocolate chips instead of sultanas or incorporating spices like nutmeg for a different flavor. For a citrus twist, consider using lemon zest in place of orange.
FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just make sure to dissolve it in the warm milk before mixing with the dry ingredients.
2. How can I tell if my dough has risen enough? The dough should have doubled in size and should feel light and airy when poked.
3. Can I make the buns ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight for a more developed flavor, then shape and bake the next day.
Enjoy your baking adventure with Hot Cross Buns! They’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.
Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast (9 grams) (Note 1, CHECK still active!)
- ½ cup caster sugar (110g) (superfine sugar)
- 1 ½ cups milk, warm (375ml) (full fat or low fat) (Note 2)
- 4 ¼ cups bread flour (640g) (or plain/all-purpose) (Note 3)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
- 2 teaspoons All Spice (OR Mixed Spice) (Note 4)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups sultanas (210g) (Note 4)
- 1-2 oranges zest only (Note 4)
- 50 grams unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 egg at room temperature
For the Crosses and Glaze
- ¼ cup extra bread flour
- ½ cup flour (any white flour)
- 5 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (Note 7)
- 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, all spice, cinnamon, and salt. Briefly mix using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Add the butter, warm milk, egg, sultanas, and zest to the dry mix.
- If using a stand mixer, mix for about 5 minutes until a smooth elastic dough forms. Start at speed 2; once combined, increase to speed 4. If the dough sticks too much, add extra flour gradually until it pulls away from the bowl.
- For hand kneading, dust a work surface with flour and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rising
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
- After the first rise, divide the dough and shape it into balls. Arrange these on a baking tray.
- Cover and let the dough balls rise again until puffed up.
Baking
- Lightly mix the extra flour and water to make a paste. Pipe or spread the mixture in the shape of crosses on top of each bun.
- Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.
- Brush with apricot jam mixed with water to give a lovely glaze.
