Description
Hot cross buns are soft, lightly spiced sweet rolls studded with dried fruit and topped with their signature cross. Warm, fluffy, and comforting, they’re perfect enjoyed fresh with butter.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice
- 1 cup milk, lukewarm
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup raisins or currants
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1/3 cup flour (for the cross)
- 5 tablespoons water (for the cross)
Instructions
- Warm the milk until lukewarm. Dissolve the yeast with 1 tablespoon of the sugar and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg or allspice.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then gently knead in the raisins or currants and orange zest if using.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into smooth balls.
- Arrange the buns on a lined baking tray, cover, and let rise again until puffy, about 30 minutes.
- Mix the flour and water into a thick paste and pipe crosses over the buns.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Lukewarm milk is essential for activating yeast properly.Do not overbake to keep the buns soft and moist.Brush with warm honey or sugar syrup after baking for a glossy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
