Hot Cross Buns Recipe

If you’ve ever bitten into a perfectly spiced, soft, and slightly sweet bun topped with a signature cross, you know exactly why this Hot Cross Buns Recipe holds a special place in so many hearts. It’s more than just a delightful treat; it’s a warm, comforting reminder of tradition and cozy gatherings. This recipe combines the fragrant spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with juicy dried currants, all wrapped up in a tender, fluffy dough that’s kissed with a shiny apricot glaze. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just craving something delicious, these buns deliver that classic taste with homemade love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hot Cross Buns Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that iconic flavor and texture. From the warm whole milk to activate the yeast, to the aromatic spices that give the buns their distinctive warmth, every element is essential to making these buns unforgettable.

• Warm whole milk (1 cup, about 110°F): Activates the yeast for a light, airy dough.
• Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Provides the rise and fluffy texture you crave.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough and helps develop a golden color during baking.
• All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds that warm, comforting spice flavor.
• Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Enhances the spice mix with a subtle, nutty depth.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Ground allspice (¼ teaspoon): Rounds out the spice profile for that classic taste.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup, softened): Contributes to tenderness and rich flavor.
• Large eggs (2): Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Dried currants or raisins (¾ cup): Bursts of sweetness dotted through every bun.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle fragrant sweetness.
• Beaten egg (1, for egg wash): Creates a glossy, golden crust.
• Flour (½ cup) and water (5–6 tablespoons): Combined to make the flour paste for piping crosses.
• Apricot jam or honey (¼ cup): Heated and brushed on for that irresistibly shiny glaze.

How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing warm whole milk with the yeast and a tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl. This warm bath wakes up the yeast, and after about 5 to 10 minutes, you’ll see a lovely foamy top—this bubbly magic ensures your buns will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Combine and Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and allspice. These spices infuse the dough with that signature flavor, while the flour forms the structure—think of this as laying down the perfect foundation for your buns.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough

Next, add softened butter, eggs, the foamy yeast mixture, and vanilla extract to your dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a slightly sticky dough forms. This sticky consistency means your buns will be wonderfully soft once baked.

Step 4: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, 5 to 6 minutes on medium speed works perfectly. This kneading develops the gluten network that gives your buns their tender crumb.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dried Fruit

Fold in your dried currants or raisins by kneading lightly just until the fruit is evenly distributed. These little bursts of sweetness add delightful texture and flavor to each bite.

Step 6: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 to 1.5 hours. This is where patience pays off as the dough becomes airy and light.

Step 7: Shape the Buns

Punch down the risen dough gently to release trapped air, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving just enough space for a little expansion.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the shaped buns and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Shortly after this, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to give your buns that beautiful bake.

Step 9: Make and Pipe the Flour Paste Crosses

Mix the ½ cup flour with 5 to 6 tablespoons of water until it forms a smooth, pipeable paste. Transfer it into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the tip cut off, then carefully pipe a cross over each bun. This distinctive marking is part of what makes these buns so iconic.

Step 10: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the buns gently with the beaten egg to give them a glorious golden sheen when baked. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden and smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 11: Glaze and Cool

While the buns are still warm, heat your apricot jam or honey until it becomes thin, then brush it over the tops of each bun to create that glowing, sticky finish. Let the buns cool slightly so that the glaze sets, but not so much that you miss the joy of enjoying them warm.

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Garnishes

A simple pat of butter melting into a warm bun is a classic way to enjoy these beauties. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar or even a thin drizzle of cream cheese frosting on top for a sweet twist that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

These buns partner wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or afternoon snack. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a smooth custard for a more indulgent offering.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the buns in a rustic basket lined with a linen cloth for a charming brunch centerpiece. Or slice them horizontally and create mini sandwiches with sharp cheddar or your favorite cheese—a delightful balance of sweet and savory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Hot Cross Buns stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness and prevents the crust from getting hard.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, freeze the cooled buns individually wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil. They freeze beautifully and can be kept for up to one month without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your bakes fresh again, reheat frozen or stored buns in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This revives their warmth and softness, almost like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute dried currants for other dried fruits?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even raisins work wonderfully in this Hot Cross Buns Recipe, offering different notes of sweetness and texture while keeping the essence of the recipe intact.

What if I don’t have a piping bag for the flour paste crosses?

No piping bag? No problem! You can use a plastic zip-top bag and snip off a corner to pipe the crosses carefully. Alternatively, use a small spoon or knife to gently create the cross shape, though piping gives the neatest look.

Can I make these buns dairy-free or vegan?

You can swap whole milk for plant-based milk and use a plant-based butter substitute to make the dough dairy-free. For vegan versions, replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute—just note that texture might vary slightly.

Is there a way to make these buns rise faster?

Yeast activity speeds up in a warm, draft-free environment. You can mildly warm your oven to about 100°F, then turn it off and place the covered dough inside. This cozy spot helps the dough rise quicker without overheating.

How do I know when the buns are fully baked?

Once baked, the buns should have a golden brown top and bounce back when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Plus, the tempting aroma is usually the best clue they’re ready to enjoy!

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like baking your own Hot Cross Buns Recipe at home—the aroma, the flavors, and the joy of sharing freshly baked buns with loved ones make it a special experience. Whether for a holiday tradition or a weekday treat, you’ll find these buns enrich any moment. So roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and bake your way to a basket full of pure comfort and delight!

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