Description
These Hot Cross Buns are soft, spiced, and lightly sweetened with a touch of citrus. Filled with raisins and topped with a traditional cross, they make a delightful treat for Easter or any special occasion. The warm, fragrant spices and sweet glaze make them irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Buns:
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (500 grams)
- ¼ cup + 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg at room temperature
- 1 cup raisins
For the Cross:
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons water
For the Glaze:
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 2-inch pieces orange peel
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it’s just lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C). Remove from heat and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If needed, add a little more flour to prevent sticking.
- Add the raisins to the dough and knead until evenly distributed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or round pan. They should be touching slightly.
- Cover the pan with a towel and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes, until puffed up.
- Make the Cross:
- For the cross, mix the flour, sugar, and water in a small bowl to form a thick paste. Transfer it to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. Pipe a cross over the top of each bun.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze:
- While the buns are baking, combine the water, sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange peel in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Strain the glaze and set aside.
- Once the buns are out of the oven, immediately brush the warm buns with the glaze to give them a shiny finish.
- Let the buns cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the raisins with currants, sultanas, or a mix of dried fruit if you prefer.
- For a richer dough, you can substitute some of the milk with cream or add more butter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British