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Hot Cross Buns

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Soft, lightly spiced, and filled with dried fruit, Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter treat that’s best enjoyed warm with a little butter. These sweet, yeasted buns are marked with a signature cross and have a beautifully golden, glossy finish. Perfect for Easter brunch or a springtime snack.

Ingredients

Scale

  1. For the Dough:

    • 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
    • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 large egg
    • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
    • 1/2 tsp allspice
    • 3/4 cup raisins or currants
    • 1 tbsp orange zest (optional, for a citrusy touch)

    For the Cross:

    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    • 5 tbsp water (adjust as needed for a thick paste)

    For the Glaze:

    1. 2 tbsp apricot jam or honey (for a shiny finish)

Instructions

  • Activate the Yeast:
    In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

  • Make the Dough:
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and remaining sugar.
    Add the melted butter, egg, orange zest (if using), and yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
    Knead the dough on a floured surface (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
    Gently knead in the raisins or currants until evenly distributed.

  • First Rise:
    Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

  • Shape the Buns:
    Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
    Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a lined baking sheet, slightly touching.
    Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes.

  • Make & Pipe the Cross:
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Mix flour and water into a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with the tip cut off) and pipe crosses on top of each bun.

  • Bake & Glaze:
    Bake for 20-22 minutes, until golden brown.
    Warm apricot jam or honey and brush over the buns while they’re still hot for a glossy finish.

Notes

  • For an extra touch, you can add a bit of orange zest in the dough for added flavor.
  • Serve warm with butter for the ultimate treat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/hot-cross-buns/