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hot cross buns recipe - A tray of freshly baked glazed hot cross buns with white flour crosses

Traditional Homemade Hot Cross Buns

A classic, soft, and spiced hot cross buns recipe featuring currants, mixed peel, and a sweet glaze. Perfect for Easter morning breakfast.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 buns 1x

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups bread flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole milk, warm
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 cup currants or raisins
1/4 cup mixed candied peel
For the Crosses: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 5-6 tbsp water
For the Glaze: 2 tbsp apricot jam, 1 tbsp water

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of the sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes or in a stand mixer for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Gently punch down the dough and fold in the currants and mixed peel until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll into smooth balls. Place them in a 9×13 inch greased baking dish.
Step 8: Cover and let the buns rise again for 45 minutes until they are touching and look puffy.
Step 9: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the flour-paste ingredients and pipe crosses onto the buns.
Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the buns are golden brown on top.
Step 11: Warm the apricot jam and water, then brush over the hot buns immediately after removing them from the oven.
Step 12: Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Ensure the milk is not too hot (above 115°F) or it will kill the yeast. For extra shine, apply the glaze twice.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Sweet Breakfasts
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Bun
  • Calories: 285 kcal
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2.5g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: hot cross buns recipe, Easter buns, spiced rolls, traditional Easter bread, homemade yeast rolls

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