Hot Cross Buns Recipe

If you have a soft spot for classic treats that warm your heart and kitchen, then this Hot Cross Buns Recipe is just what you need. These gently spiced, fluffy, and slightly sweet buns dotted with sultanas and candied peel embody comfort in every bite. Ideal for sharing with family or friends, this recipe is straightforward yet delivers bakery-quality results that fill your home with an irresistible aroma and your table with timeless joy. Trust me, once you try this Hot Cross Buns Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Hot Cross Buns lies in their simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture, balanced sweetness, and signature spice blend that makes these buns stand out.

• 220 ml Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and creates a soft dough texture.
• 50 g Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to each bun.
• 450 g Strong white bread flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chew.
• 1 tsp Fine salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 3 tsp Mixed spice: A classic blend that infuses those warm, aromatic notes essential for hot cross buns.
• 2 tsp Cinnamon: Adds depth and a pleasantly sweet warmth.
• 45 g Caster sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the spices.
• 60 g Candied peel: Offers bursts of zesty citrus flavor and colorful texture.
• 80 g Sultanas: Sweet, chewy fruits that complement the spices beautifully.
• 1 Egg (Beaten): Gives the dough structure and a lovely golden color.
• 2 tbsp Milk: Used to brush the buns before baking for a soft top.
• 50 g Plain flour: Combined with water to make the paste for the traditional crosses.
• 2 tbsp Apricot jam: Brushed on warm buns for a shiny, flavorful glaze.

How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Butter

Start by heating the milk until hot but not boiling, then stir in the butter. This step not only melts the butter perfectly but cools the mixture to the ideal temperature to activate the yeast later without killing it. Set this aside while you prepare the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the strong white bread flour, fine salt, mixed spice, cinnamon, and caster sugar. Mixing these ingredients evenly ensures the warm spices and sweetness are distributed beautifully in every bun.

Step 3: Add Candied Peel and Sultanas

Stir in the candied peel and sultanas next. These add exciting pops of flavor and texture, making these buns more than just bread but a deliciously fruity delight.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once your milk and butter mixture is tepid, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients along with the beaten egg. This combination starts forming the dough, which will soon transform into those gorgeous buns.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Bring the dough together then turn it out onto a clean surface and knead for about five minutes. You want a springy, elastic dough that holds together well, which guarantees those fluffy buns we all crave.

Step 6: First Rise

Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl, cover it with oiled cling film to prevent drying, and leave it to rise in a warm spot. After around two hours, it should have doubled in size, showing the yeast has done its magic.

Step 7: Shape the Buns

After the first rise, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a tight ball by stretching the edges underneath with your hand’s edge. This technique creates a smooth surface that bakes evenly into perfect buns.

Step 8: Second Rise

Place the buns onto an oiled baking tray and cover them again with oiled cling film. Let them rise for another 45 minutes in a warm place until puffed up and ready for decorating.

Step 9: Prepare Before Baking

Preheat your oven to the right temperature, then gently brush the buns with milk. This keeps their tops soft and helps the flour paste stick for the crosses. For the crosses, mix plain flour with enough water to form a soft paste and pipe crosses onto each bun using a piping bag.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Bake the buns for 15 to 20 minutes until they reach a rich, dark golden color. The smell at this point is pure bliss, signaling that these buns are just about ready.

Step 11: Add the Glaze

As soon as the buns come out of the oven, brush them with warm apricot jam. This step adds a shiny, sticky finish that locks in moisture and gives a subtly sweet, fruity glaze that makes these Hot Cross Buns Recipe extra special.

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Garnishes

These buns are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by adding a pat of butter that melts into the warm bread or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Hot Cross Buns alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for the perfect snack or breakfast. For a more indulgent occasion, accompany them with clotted cream or your favorite fruit preserves.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by stacking several buns on a tiered cake stand or slicing one in half and turning it into an open-face sandwich with cream cheese and smoked salmon. These buns can seamlessly fit into casual or festive occasions and always bring smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any buns left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their soft texture without drying out. For longer storage, refrigeration is possible but may slightly toughen the crust.

Freezing

Hot Cross Buns freeze wonderfully. Wrap each one tightly in cling film and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy them fresh whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive frozen buns, thaw them overnight at room temperature and warm gently in the oven or microwave. This refreshes their softness and brings back that freshly-baked aroma, making every bite taste like just out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use dried yeast instead of fresh yeast for this Hot Cross Buns Recipe?

Yes, dried yeast works well as a substitute. Use about one-third of the amount of fresh yeast, making sure to activate it in warm milk before mixing it into the dough for best results.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size during the rise periods. It will look puffed and feel airy if you gently press it with your finger; the indent should slowly bounce back.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap the egg for a flax or chia egg to achieve very similar texture and flavor.

What’s the purpose of the apricot jam glaze?

The apricot jam gives the buns a beautiful shiny finish, adds a subtle fruity sweetness, and helps lock in moisture, keeping the buns soft and appetizing longer.

Can I add other dried fruits to these hot cross buns?

Definitely! Feel free to add raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots to suit your taste. Just keep the total amount roughly the same to maintain the dough’s balance and texture.

Final Thoughts

Baking your own Hot Cross Buns Recipe is such a rewarding and delicious way to celebrate tradition with a little homemade love. Once you’ve made and tasted these light, fragrant buns with their perfect balance of spice, fruit, and sweetness, I’m sure they’ll become a staple in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands doughy, and enjoy the warm comfort that only fresh hot cross buns can bring!

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