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Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns
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This Easy Hot Cross Buns recipe offers soft, spiced buns filled with juicy raisins or currants and topped with a traditional cross. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a sweet treat, these buns combine warm spices, tender dough, and a shiny apricot jam glaze to bring classic comfort to your table. Simple to make using everyday ingredients, this recipe is approachable for all baking levels and customizable to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups (440g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) Milk, warm
  • 2 1/4 tsp (one packet) Active Dry Yeast
  • 1/4 cup (50g) Brown Sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup (56g) Butter, softened
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Mixed Spice
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 3/4 cup (120g) Dried Currants or Raisins

Cross Paste

  • 1/3 cup (45g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 3–4 tbsp Water

Glaze

  • 1/4 cup Apricot Jam, heated and strained

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until just warm to the touch. Stir in the yeast and a pinch of brown sugar. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large bowl, mix the flour, remaining brown sugar, ground cinnamon, mixed spice, and salt. Add softened butter and eggs, then pour in the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
  2. Knead and Rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add dried currants or raisins halfway through kneading. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  3. Shape the Buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a smooth ball and place them close together on a lined baking tray, leaving space to expand. Allow to rise again for approximately 45 minutes.
  4. Create the Crosses: Mix flour and water into a thick smooth paste. Using a piping bag or zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off, pipe a cross over each bun.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. Monitor carefully to avoid over-baking.
  6. Glaze and Cool: While buns are still warm, brush generously with heated apricot jam to give a shiny, appetizing finish. Allow buns to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh yeast or ensure dry yeast is properly activated for best rise and texture.
  • Measure flour precisely using a kitchen scale to avoid dense buns.
  • Keep milk warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Allow dough to fully double in size to develop flavor and fluffiness.
  • Adjust spice levels to taste for personalized flavor intensity.
  • Ensure cross paste is thick enough to maintain shape after baking.
  • Brush apricot jam glaze immediately while buns are hot to lock in moisture and shine.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hot Cross Buns, Spiced Buns, Easter Buns, Raisin Buns, Classic British Baking, Soft Buns, Sweet Buns

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/hot-cross-buns/