Description
Indulge in the classic Easter treat with this Hot Cross Buns recipe. These spiced buns, studded with raisins and citrus zest, are perfect for celebrating the holiday or enjoying as a sweet snack. With a golden crust and a sticky glaze, these buns are a delightful addition to any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3/4 cup raisins or currants
- 1/4 cup orange zest
Cross:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup water
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup apricot jam, warmed
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast: Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
- Mix the Dough: Combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a large bowl. Stir in yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, raisins, and orange zest. Knead until a sticky dough forms.
- Rise and Shape: Let the dough rise until doubled. Divide into 12 pieces, shape into balls, and place in a baking dish.
- Add Crosses: Pipe a cross on each bun with the flour-water paste.
- Bake and Glaze: Bake until golden, then brush with warm apricot jam glaze.
Notes
- Buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a variation, try using dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots instead of raisins.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours rising)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British, Easter
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
