Here’s a classic Hot Cross Buns recipe—soft, spiced, and perfect for Easter or any cozy morning! ✨🍞
Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup raisins or currants (optional, but traditional)
For the Crosses:
- ½ cup flour
- 5 tbsp water
For the Glaze:
- 2 tbsp apricot jam or honey (warmed)
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth.
- Add raisins/currants and knead gently to incorporate.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape & Bake:
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll into balls.
- Place on a greased baking tray, close but not touching. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Make the cross mixture: Mix flour and water to form a thick paste. Pipe crosses over the buns.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Final Touch:
- Glaze the buns with warm apricot jam or honey as soon as they come out of the oven for a shiny finish.
- Let cool slightly and enjoy warm with butter or jam!
Variations:
🍫 Chocolate Chip Buns – Swap raisins for chocolate chips.
🍊 Zesty Buns – Add orange zest for extra flavor.
🌿 Spiced Buns – Add ginger and allspice for a deeper spice mix.
Would you like a gluten-free or vegan version too? 😊
