Description
Celebrate the Easter season with these delicious Traditional Hot Cross Buns. These spiced sweet yeast rolls are a classic British treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 3/4 cup currants or raisins
- 1/4 cup mixed candied peel (optional)
Crosses and Glaze:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for crosses)
- 3–4 tablespoons water (for crosses)
- 1/4 cup apricot jam (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir in warm milk, melted butter, and egg until combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour and knead until a soft, elastic dough forms, about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer. Add currants and candied peel and knead until evenly distributed.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased 9×13-inch pan, spacing slightly apart.
- Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). For the crosses, mix 1/4 cup flour with just enough water to form a thick paste. Pipe a cross over each bun using a piping bag or plastic bag with a small corner cut.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. While buns are still warm, heat apricot jam and brush over the tops to glaze. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These buns are best eaten the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- They also freeze well. Reheat slightly before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
