Hot Cross Buns Recipe

There is something utterly magical about a batch of freshly baked buns scented with warm spices and studded with juicy sultanas and candied peel. This Hot Cross Buns Recipe brings that comforting feeling straight to your kitchen, with soft, fluffy dough carrying just the right touch of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re baking for Easter or simply craving a nostalgic treat, these buns, topped with their signature crosses and a glossy apricot glaze, are sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the list intimidate you; these ingredients are simple staples that work together to create the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma of Hot Cross Buns. Each one plays an important role, from the warm spices that give character to the soft bread, to the fruits that add bursts of sweetness and color.

• 220 ml Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast for a soft dough.
• 50 g Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to each bun.
• 450 g Strong white bread flour: The foundation for a sturdy yet soft bun texture.
• 1 tsp Fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 3 tsp Mixed spice: Brings the classic warm, aromatic flavor essential to Hot Cross Buns.
• 2 tsp Cinnamon: Adds a gentle spicy warmth that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
• 45 g Caster sugar: Sweetens the buns delicately without overpowering the spices.
• 60 g Candied peel: Adds bursts of citrusy sweetness that cut through the spice.
• 80 g Sultanas: Provide juicy sweetness and a lovely chewy texture inside the buns.
• 1 Egg (Beaten): Helps bind the dough and enriches the color and texture.
• 2 tbsp Milk (for brushing): Keeps the buns soft with a gentle glaze before baking.
• 50 g Plain flour: Used to make the cross paste that decorates the buns.
• 2 tbsp Apricot jam: Brushed on after baking for a shiny, flavorful finish.

How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Milk and Butter

Start by warming the milk until it’s hot but not boiling, then stir in the butter and set it aside. This mixture will cool down to the perfect temperature to activate the yeast, helping your buns rise beautifully.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, fine salt, mixed spice, cinnamon, and caster sugar. This dry mix ensures that every bun receives consistent flavor and structure.

Step 3: Add Fruit Mix

Gently stir in the candied peel and sultanas. These add texture, sweetness, and those iconic pops of flavor that you expect from a traditional Hot Cross Bun.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients into Dry

Once the milk and butter mixture is tepid, pour it into the flour mixture along with the beaten egg. This creates a sticky but manageable dough, rich with the promise of soft, flavorful buns.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and springy. This step is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the buns their chewy, light texture.

Step 6: First Rise

Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl and cover with oiled cling film. Leave it somewhere warm for about 2 hours until it doubles in size — this is when the yeast really works its magic.

Step 7: Shape the Buns

After the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a neat, tight ball by tucking the dough’s edges under — this technique leads to perfectly round buns that bake evenly.

Step 8: Second Rise

Arrange the shaped buns on an oiled baking tray, cover again, and allow them to rise for another 45 minutes. This makes sure they’re wonderfully light and fluffy.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 180°C fan (200°C conventional). Then, gently brush the tops of the buns with milk — this keeps the crust soft and enhances browning during baking.

Step 10: Pipe the Crosses

Mix the plain flour with enough water to form a thick paste. Using a piping bag or a small bag with the corner snipped off, carefully pipe crosses onto each bun. These crosses are what make Hot Cross Buns instantly recognizable and so festive!

Step 11: Bake the Buns

Bake your buns for 15-20 minutes until they turn a deep, inviting golden brown. The smell at this point will make it very hard to wait for them to cool!

Step 12: Add the Glaze

Immediately after baking, brush the buns with warmed apricot jam. This glossy finish not only looks amazing but also adds a subtle sweetness and helps keep the buns moist.

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Garnishes

While these buns are delicious as is, try serving them with a pat of butter that melts into the warm bread or a thin spread of cream cheese for a creamy contrast. You can even sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for an extra fragrant touch.

Side Dishes

Hot Cross Buns pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for breakfast or afternoon tea. For a heartier snack, pair them with fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not toast your buns lightly and create mini sandwiches filled with your favorite jam or nut butter? You could even turn them into a bread-and-butter pudding for a lovely dessert twist, keeping the festive spirit alive in new and exciting ways.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you don’t finish all 12 buns in one go, no worries. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy without drying out.

Freezing

To extend their shelf life, Hot Cross Buns freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, and you’ll have a sweet treat on hand whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

For the best taste, thaw frozen buns at room temperature, then warm them gently in the oven or toaster. This brings back the soft interior and crisp, golden exterior, making them almost as good as fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I make Hot Cross Buns Recipe without candied peel?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of candied peel, you can leave it out or substitute with extra sultanas or raisins. The buns will still be delicious and have that wonderful fruity sweetness.

What’s the best way to achieve light and fluffy buns?

The key is proper kneading and allowing the dough to rise twice. This develops the gluten and gives the dough enough time to become airy. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! After kneading, you can store the dough in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and proceeding with the recipe. This makes baking easier on busy mornings.

Are Hot Cross Buns spicy?

The flavor is warm and aromatic, thanks to the mixed spice and cinnamon, but it is mild and comforting rather than hot or overpowering. It’s the perfect balance that appeals to many palates.

How do I make the cross design if I don’t have a piping bag?

No piping bag? No problem! You can use a small zip-top sandwich bag and snip off one corner to pipe the flour paste. Alternatively, a clean paintbrush or a small spoon can help you create the cross shape carefully.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Hot Cross Buns Recipe is like filling your home with warmth, comfort, and a little pinch of tradition. It’s a wonderful way to share a special treat with family and friends or simply to indulge yourself. Once you taste these soft, spiced, and fruity buns glazed to perfection, you’ll understand why they are such a beloved classic. So, grab your ingredients and start baking — you deserve that first warm bite right now!

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