Description
Traditional Hot Cross Buns are a delightful treat that fills your home with the warm aroma of spices and sweet fruits. These soft, pillowy buns, traditionally enjoyed during Easter, bring back cherished memories and make for perfect sharing moments. With a beautiful golden glaze and a signature cross on top, they are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether served fresh from the oven or toasted with butter, these buns are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup dried fruits (raisins or currants), soaked in warm water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup icing sugar (for glazing)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast; let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Make dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add melted butter and activated yeast mixture to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- First rise: Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size (1-1.5 hours).
- Add fruits & shape: Punch down dough, fold in dried fruits, divide into balls and place on a lined baking tray.
- Second rise: Cover buns and let them rise again until puffy (30-45 minutes).
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze: Mix icing sugar with water to create a paste; pipe crosses over cooled buns.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bakery/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun (60g)
- Calories: 189
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 141mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 14mg