Hot Cross Buns: Soft, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet
Hot Cross Buns Recipe are a beloved baked treat that has been cherished for centuries, especially around Easter. These soft, slightly spiced buns are studded with plump raisins or currants and traditionally marked with a cross on top, symbolizing their cultural and religious significance. Beyond their symbolic value, they captivate with their delightful aroma, tender crumb, and subtle sweetness, making them a favorite at breakfast tables, brunch gatherings, and cozy afternoon teas.
Baking Hot Cross Buns at home allows you to experience the warm, inviting scent of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade buns offer a freshness and texture that is simply unmatched. With a simple combination of ingredients and a little patience during proofing, you can create buns that are fluffy on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and perfectly sweetened with a drizzle of icing or glaze.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a list of ingredients required to make approximately 12 hot cross buns, along with their estimated calorie counts per portion:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups (480 g) | 1740 kcal |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) | 20 kcal |
| Whole milk | 1 cup (240 ml) | 150 kcal |
| Unsalted butter | ¼ cup (56 g) | 400 kcal |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup (50 g) | 200 kcal |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ tsp | 3 kcal |
| Large eggs | 2 | 140 kcal |
| Raisins or currants | 1 cup (150 g) | 450 kcal |
| All-purpose flour (for cross) | ¼ cup (30 g) | 110 kcal |
| Water (for cross paste) | 3–4 tbsp | 0 kcal |
| Powdered sugar (for glaze) | ¼ cup (30 g) | 120 kcal |
| Water (for glaze) | 1–2 tbsp | 0 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Warm the milk until it’s lukewarm, then dissolve the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add eggs, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.
3. Add Raisins
Gently knead in the raisins or currants until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. First Proof
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Buns
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave a small space between buns to allow for expansion.
6. Second Proof
Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
7. Prepare the Cross Paste
Mix ¼ cup flour with enough water to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross onto the top of each bun.
8. Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with water to make a simple glaze. Brush the glaze over the hot buns immediately after baking for a shiny, sweet finish.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Spice it up: Add ground cloves or allspice for a more aromatic bun.
- Fruit variations: Swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or mixed peel.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg substitute.
- Icing decoration: Use royal icing instead of flour paste for a sweeter, more decorative cross.
- Make ahead: Buns can be frozen before baking; thaw and bake as needed for fresh treats.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 275 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Hot Cross Buns are best served warm, straight from the oven. Some delightful ways to enjoy them:
- Spread lightly with butter or margarine
- Toast and top with jam or marmalade
- Serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast
- Pair with clotted cream or cream cheese for an indulgent treat
They also make excellent additions to brunch boards or festive dessert platters.
Hot Cross Buns: Soft, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet
12 buns
servings20
minutes20
minutes275
kcalIngredients
Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 4 cups (480 g)
Active dry yeast 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet)
Whole milk 1 cup (240 ml)
Unsalted butter ¼ cup (56 g)
Granulated sugar ¼ cup (50 g)
Salt ½ tsp
Ground cinnamon 1 tsp
Ground nutmeg ¼ tsp
Large eggs 2
Raisins or currants 1 cup (150 g)
All-purpose flour (for cross) ¼ cup (30 g)
Water (for cross paste) 3–4 tbsp
Powdered sugar (for glaze) ¼ cup (30 g)
Water (for glaze) 1–2 tbsp
Directions
- Prepare the yeast: Warm the milk, dissolve yeast with 1 tsp sugar, and let it froth for 5–10 minutes.
- Make the dough: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add eggs, butter, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic.
- Add dried fruit: Gently knead in raisins or currants.
- First proof: Cover and let dough rise for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled.
- Shape buns: Divide dough into 12 portions, shape into balls, place on baking tray with parchment paper.
- Second proof: Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Prepare crosses: Mix flour and water into a thick paste and pipe a cross on each bun.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with water and brush over hot buns for a shiny finish.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use fresh yeast if possible: Fresh yeast gives a slightly lighter texture, but active dry yeast works perfectly too.
Milk temperature matters: Warm the milk until lukewarm; too hot can kill the yeast, too cold slows rising.
FAQs
1. What are Hot Cross Buns?
Hot Cross Buns are soft, slightly sweet buns traditionally made with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and studded with dried fruit such as raisins or currants. They are marked with a cross on top, symbolizing their cultural and religious significance.
2. Can I make Hot Cross Buns ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the buns, then freeze them before baking. When ready to serve, thaw and bake for fresh, warm buns.
3. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
Absolutely. A bread machine can mix and knead the dough for you. Transfer to a bowl for proofing and shaping before baking.
4. How can I make them more flavorful?
Add extra spices like allspice, cloves, or ginger. You can also soak the dried fruit in orange juice, rum, or brandy before adding to the dough for richer flavor.
5. Can I make Hot Cross Buns vegan?
Yes! Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flaxseed “egg” or another egg replacer to make a vegan version.
Conclusion
Soft, fragrant, and lightly spiced, Hot Cross Buns are a timeless classic that combines history, tradition, and deliciousness in every bite. Homemade buns allow for customization in flavor, fruit, and sweetness, giving you a fresh bakery experience at home. Whether for Easter, a cozy breakfast, or simply as a comforting treat, these buns bring warmth, joy, and a touch of nostalgia to any table. Baking them fills your home with an irresistible aroma, while enjoying them creates memories that last far beyond the last bite.
