Description
Learn how to make classic Hot Cross Buns at home with this easy recipe. These spiced, sweet buns studded with dried fruit and marked with a cross are perfect for Easter or any time of year!
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup dried currants or raisins
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash
Flour Paste Cross:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 5–6 tablespoons water
Glaze:
- ¼ cup apricot jam or honey
Instructions
- In a small bowl, activate the yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it rest until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, spices, salt, butter, eggs, yeast mixture, and vanilla. Knead until a sticky dough forms. Add in dried fruit and knead briefly. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1–1.5 hours.
- Shape and bake: Divide dough, shape into balls, and place in a baking dish. Let rise again, then pipe flour paste crosses on top. Brush with egg wash and bake until golden. Glaze with warm apricot jam or honey.
Notes
- Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Good Friday treat but are delicious year-round.
- Feel free to customize by using dried cranberries or apricots instead of raisins.
- Best served warm with butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
