Golden Easter Treats: A Spiced Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Bread bakers adore creating these traditional hot cross buns packed with warm spices and delightful dried fruits.

These classic hot cross buns carry centuries of baking tradition from bakeries across Europe.

Sweet sultanas and fragrant cinnamon weave through soft, pillowy dough that rises with gentle perfection.

Each bun emerges golden and tender, marked with a signature white cross that whispers of culinary heritage.

Kneading the dough becomes a rhythmic dance of love and patience.

Families gather around, drawn by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats.

These delectable buns will transform your kitchen into a haven of comfort and warmth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 13

Classic Ingredients For Hot Cross Buns

• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and provides moisture for soft, tender texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising, choose fresh and unexpired for best results.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to buns.
• Melted Butter: Enriches flavor and creates tender crumb.
• Vanilla: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the overall taste.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Provide structure and rich, golden color.
• Orange Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes and complex aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: Builds structure and helps create soft, pillowy texture.

• Raisins or Currants: Add chewy sweetness and traditional hot cross bun character, choose plump and moist dried fruit.

• Flour: Creates smooth, pipeable paste for decorative cross.
• Water: Binds flour for piping consistency.

• Apricot Jam or Honey: Provides shiny, sweet finish and classic hot cross bun shine.

Tools You’ll Need For Hot Cross Buns

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and kneading dough efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee perfect buns every time.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Provides ideal space for buns to rise and bake together.
• Piping bag or zip-top bag: Creates those classic cross decorations on top of the buns.
• Pastry brush: Helps apply the shiny glaze after baking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients and stirring the dough.
• Zester or grater: Helps create fresh orange zest for extra flavor.
• Kitchen towel: Covers dough during rising periods to keep moisture locked in.

How To Bake Soft Hot Cross Buns

• Activate the Yeast

Combine warm milk and yeast in a large bowl, letting it sit until it becomes wonderfully frothy and alive.

• Create the Dough Base

Blend in sugar, melted butter, vanilla, salt, spices, eggs, and orange zest, mixing until everything comes together smoothly.

• Knead and Develop

Fold in flour and work the dough until it becomes silky and elastic, then gently incorporate raisins or currants throughout.

• First Rise

Let the dough rest and grow in a cozy spot, watching it double in size and become beautifully puffy.

• Shape the Buns

Punch down the dough and divide into soft, rounded balls, placing them snugly in a baking dish.

• Second Rise

Allow the buns to puff up again, becoming pillowy and full of potential.

• Prepare the Cross

Mix a simple flour paste and carefully pipe delicate crosses over each bun.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven, cooking until the buns turn a gorgeous golden brown.

• Finish with Shine

Brush the warm buns with sweet apricot jam or honey, giving them a beautiful, glossy finish.

• Serve and Enjoy

Present these delightful treats warm or at room temperature, ready to be savored.

Tips To Get Hot Cross Buns Just Right

• Fruit Freedom: Swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or mixed candied peel to create unique flavor profiles that'll make your buns stand out.
• Gluten-Free Magic: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the perfect texture for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spice Sensation: Experiment with different spice combinations like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger to give your buns a personal twist that'll wow your family and friends.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the dough the night before, let it rise slowly in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature and bake fresh in the morning for ultimate convenience and fresh-baked goodness.

Serve Hot Cross Buns With Butter

• Perfect Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm, spiced buns with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Festive Dessert Twist: Serve slightly warmed with a dollop of vanilla custard or clotted cream for an indulgent after-dinner experience.
• Easter Brunch Star: Arrange the buns on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, creating an elegant centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Split the buns in half, toast lightly, and spread with soft butter or homemade jam for a classic British-style snack.

How To Store Hot Cross Buns Well

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep freshly baked hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, maintaining their soft texture and delightful flavor.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual buns in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a just-baked taste.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store glazed buns in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm gently to restore their original softness and aroma.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for the first rise. Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before shaping to allow dough to return to room temperature and complete rising process.

Fluffy Hot Cross Buns Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic hot cross buns from England shine with sweet spices and candied fruit. Bakers can easily master this traditional Easter treat that brings comfort and joy to holiday tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk (110F / 43°C)
• ¾ cup raisins or currants
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for cross)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup apricot jam or honey, warmed
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 56 tablespoons water
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast into tepid milk, allowing the mixture to transform and become frothy within 5-10 minutes.
2. Flavor Infusion: Blend granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla, salt, spices, whisked eggs, and orange zest into the yeast mixture until thoroughly combined.
3. Dough Development: Gradually fold in flour, kneading manually or with a stand mixer until a smooth, elastic consistency develops, approximately 8-10 minutes of continuous working.
4. Fruit Integration: Gently fold dried raisins or currants throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution of sweet morsels.
5. First Proofing: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rest in a warm, draft-free environment for 1-1.5 hours until volume doubles.
6. Shaping and Second Proofing: Deflate dough, divide into 12 uniform portions, shape into balls, and place in a prepared baking dish. Allow a second rising period of 30-45 minutes until puffy and interconnected.
7. Preparation and Decoration: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Create a flour-water paste and pipe decorative crosses atop each bun.
8. Baking and Finishing: Bake until golden-brown, approximately 20-25 minutes. While warm, brush with apricot jam or honey for a lustrous glaze.
9. Serving: Present these aromatic treats warm or at room temperature, ready for delightful sharing.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Carefully: Ensure milk is lukewarm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which is crucial for proper rising and soft texture.
• Knead Dough Effectively: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, creating a smooth, elastic consistency that guarantees light and fluffy buns.
• Control Rising Environment: Place dough in a consistently warm, draft-free spot to promote optimal fermentation and prevent uneven rising.
• Glaze with Precision: Apply jam or honey while buns are still warm for maximum absorption and a beautiful, glossy finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg