Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Hot Cross Buns are a classic Easter treat that has become a beloved baked good in many households. These soft, spiced buns are filled with plump raisins and topped with a traditional cross made of icing, making them both visually appealing and delicious. The history of Hot Cross Buns dates back centuries, and their sweet, spiced flavor combined with the chewy texture has made them a favorite for breakfast, tea time, or as a festive dessert. The warm aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves filling your kitchen as these buns bake is a true delight. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion like Easter or simply as a comforting treat, this homemade version brings out the best in this traditional recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Hot Cross Buns are everything you want in a classic recipe—soft, fluffy, and fragrant with the perfect balance of spices. The dough is rich and buttery, and the addition of raisins adds a touch of sweetness and chewiness that pairs wonderfully with the spiced dough. The iconic cross made from icing on top of each bun not only gives them a festive look but also a hint of sweetness to complement the spices. These buns are perfect for special occasions, such as Easter, but also make a wonderful snack or breakfast treat any time of the year. Plus, with a simple glaze made from sugar, spices, and orange peel, they get a glossy finish that adds a lovely shine and extra flavor.

Ingredients

For the Buns:

• Whole milk (1 1/4 cups)
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• All-purpose flour (4 1/4 cups, 500 grams)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons)
• Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons)
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon)
• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon)
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted)
• Egg (1, at room temperature)
• Raisins (1 cup)

For the Cross:

• All-purpose flour (1/3 cup)
• Granulated sugar (4 teaspoons)
• Water (4 tablespoons)

For the Glaze:

• Water (1/3 cup)
• Sugar (2 tablespoons)
• Whole cloves (2)
• Cinnamon stick (1 small)
• Orange peel (2 2-inch pieces)

Variations

Hot Cross Buns are versatile and can be adjusted to suit different tastes. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Dried fruit: While raisins are traditional, you can use currants, sultanas, or a mixture of dried fruit such as cranberries, apricots, or cherries.
• Spices: Add more spices like ground ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
• Nuts: Stir in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture and crunch.
• Vegan version: Swap the butter for plant-based margarine and the egg for a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
• Chocolate chips: For a sweeter variation, you can substitute the raisins with chocolate chips for a decadent treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling (about 110°F). Remove from heat and stir in the yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is activated.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make a well in the center.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg into the well of the dry ingredients. Mix together using a spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough on low speed for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Add Raisins

Once the dough is smooth, gently fold in the raisins, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7: Shape the Buns

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a round bun. Place the buns in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they’re close together but not touching.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are touching one another.

Step 9: Preheat the Oven

While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10: Make the Cross

In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and water together to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. Once the buns have finished their second rise, pipe a cross over the top of each bun.

Step 11: Bake the Buns

Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-bake.

Step 12: Make the Glaze

While the buns are baking, combine the glaze ingredients (water, sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange peel) in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and discard the cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange peel.

Step 13: Glaze the Buns

Once the buns are baked and golden, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the hot glaze over the top of each bun for a shiny finish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your egg and butter are at room temperature before adding them to the dough for a smoother texture.
• Don’t over-flour: When kneading the dough, add just enough flour to keep it from sticking. Too much flour can make the buns dense.
• Ensure the right temperature: When activating the yeast, make sure the milk isn’t too hot or cold, as it can affect the yeast’s ability to rise.
• Let the buns cool: Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes before glazing, but don’t let them cool completely as the glaze will not absorb as well.

How to Serve

Hot Cross Buns are delicious served warm, straight out of the oven. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also enjoy them with butter, jam, or honey for an extra indulgent treat. For a more festive presentation, serve them on a large platter at an Easter brunch or holiday gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the buns are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, you can wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing

If you want to make these buns ahead of time, you can freeze them before glazing. Simply bake the buns, let them cool completely, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven for about 10 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, place the buns in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re warm and soft again.

FAQs

1. Can I make these buns without raisins?

Yes, you can omit the raisins or replace them with other dried fruits, such as currants, cranberries, or sultanas.

2. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine on the dough setting. Add the ingredients as directed and follow the machine’s instructions.

3. Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

4. What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag for the cross?

You can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off or simply drizzle the cross with a spoon.

5. Can I skip the glaze?

The glaze gives the buns a beautiful, shiny finish and adds sweetness. However, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet version.

6. How do I know when the buns are done baking?

The buns should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are done.

7. Can I make these buns without the spices?

While the spices give Hot Cross Buns their signature flavor, you can omit them if you prefer a simpler version of the buns.

8. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour, but the buns may turn out denser.

9. How long do Hot Cross Buns last?

They are best enjoyed within 3 days of baking, but you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

10. Can I make the buns larger or smaller?

You can adjust the size of the buns, but keep in mind that baking time may vary depending on their size.

Conclusion

Hot Cross Buns are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed year-round, but they’re especially popular during Easter. With their soft, spiced dough, chewy raisins, and signature cross topping, these homemade buns are sure to be a hit in your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration or simply as a special snack, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors and tradition of Hot Cross Buns from the comfort of your own home. Hot Cross Buns are a classic Easter treat that has become a beloved baked good in many households. These soft, spiced buns are filled with plump raisins and topped with a traditional cross made of icing, making them both visually appealing and delicious. The history of Hot Cross Buns dates back centuries, and their sweet, spiced flavor combined with the chewy texture has made them a favorite for breakfast, tea time, or as a festive dessert. The warm aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves filling your kitchen as these buns bake is a true delight. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion like Easter or simply as a comforting treat, this homemade version brings out the best in this traditional recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Hot Cross Buns are everything you want in a classic recipe—soft, fluffy, and fragrant with the perfect balance of spices. The dough is rich and buttery, and the addition of raisins adds a touch of sweetness and chewiness that pairs wonderfully with the spiced dough. The iconic cross made from icing on top of each bun not only gives them a festive look but also a hint of sweetness to complement the spices. These buns are perfect for special occasions, such as Easter, but also make a wonderful snack or breakfast treat any time of the year. Plus, with a simple glaze made from sugar, spices, and orange peel, they get a glossy finish that adds a lovely shine and extra flavor.

Ingredients

For the Buns:

• Whole milk (1 1/4 cups)
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• All-purpose flour (4 1/4 cups, 500 grams)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons)
• Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons)
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon)
• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon)
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted)
• Egg (1, at room temperature)
• Raisins (1 cup)

For the Cross:

• All-purpose flour (1/3 cup)
• Granulated sugar (4 teaspoons)
• Water (4 tablespoons)

For the Glaze:

• Water (1/3 cup)
• Sugar (2 tablespoons)
• Whole cloves (2)
• Cinnamon stick (1 small)
• Orange peel (2 2-inch pieces)

Variations

Hot Cross Buns are versatile and can be adjusted to suit different tastes. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Dried fruit: While raisins are traditional, you can use currants, sultanas, or a mixture of dried fruit such as cranberries, apricots, or cherries.
• Spices: Add more spices like ground ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
• Nuts: Stir in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture and crunch.
• Vegan version: Swap the butter for plant-based margarine and the egg for a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
• Chocolate chips: For a sweeter variation, you can substitute the raisins with chocolate chips for a decadent treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling (about 110°F). Remove from heat and stir in the yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is activated.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make a well in the center.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg into the well of the dry ingredients. Mix together using a spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough on low speed for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Add Raisins

Once the dough is smooth, gently fold in the raisins, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7: Shape the Buns

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a round bun. Place the buns in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they’re close together but not touching.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are touching one another.

Step 9: Preheat the Oven

While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10: Make the Cross

In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and water together to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. Once the buns have finished their second rise, pipe a cross over the top of each bun.

Step 11: Bake the Buns

Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-bake.

Step 12: Make the Glaze

While the buns are baking, combine the glaze ingredients (water, sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange peel) in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and discard the cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange peel.

Step 13: Glaze the Buns

Once the buns are baked and golden, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the hot glaze over the top of each bun for a shiny finish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your egg and butter are at room temperature before adding them to the dough for a smoother texture.
• Don’t over-flour: When kneading the dough, add just enough flour to keep it from sticking. Too much flour can make the buns dense.
• Ensure the right temperature: When activating the yeast, make sure the milk isn’t too hot or cold, as it can affect the yeast’s ability to rise.
• Let the buns cool: Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes before glazing, but don’t let them cool completely as the glaze will not absorb as well.

How to Serve

Hot Cross Buns are delicious served warm, straight out of the oven. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also enjoy them with butter, jam, or honey for an extra indulgent treat. For a more festive presentation, serve them on a large platter at an Easter brunch or holiday gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the buns are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, you can wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing

If you want to make these buns ahead of time, you can freeze them before glazing. Simply bake the buns, let them cool completely, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven for about 10 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, place the buns in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re warm and soft again.

FAQs

1. Can I make these buns without raisins?

Yes, you can omit the raisins or replace them with other dried fruits, such as currants, cranberries, or sultanas.

2. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine on the dough setting. Add the ingredients as directed and follow the machine’s instructions.

3. Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

4. What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag for the cross?

You can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off or simply drizzle the cross with a spoon.

5. Can I skip the glaze?

The glaze gives the buns a beautiful, shiny finish and adds sweetness. However, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet version.

6. How do I know when the buns are done baking?

The buns should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are done.

7. Can I make these buns without the spices?

While the spices give Hot Cross Buns their signature flavor, you can omit them if you prefer a simpler version of the buns.

8. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour, but the buns may turn out denser.

9. How long do Hot Cross Buns last?

They are best enjoyed within 3 days of baking, but you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

10. Can I make the buns larger or smaller?

You can adjust the size of the buns, but keep in mind that baking time may vary depending on their size.

Conclusion

Hot Cross Buns are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed year-round, but they’re especially popular during Easter. With their soft, spiced dough, chewy raisins, and signature cross topping, these homemade buns are sure to be a hit in your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration or simply as a special snack, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors and tradition of Hot Cross Buns from the comfort of your own home.

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