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Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

4.9 from 20 reviews

Soft, lightly sweetened yeast buns studded with dried fruit, warm spices, and topped with an iconic cross. Traditionally enjoyed during Easter, these golden buns are fluffy, comforting, and subtly spiced.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup currants or raisins
  • Zest of 1 orange

Cross:

  • ¼ cup flour + 3 tbsp water (paste)

Glaze:

  • 2 tbsp apricot jam, warmed and strained

Instructions

  1. Mix Yeast Mixture: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let bloom for 5–10 min.
  2. Prepare Dough: Add flour, spices, salt, eggs, butter, zest, and raisins. Knead until smooth. Let rise until doubled.
  3. Shape and Rise: Shape into buns, place on a baking tray. Let rise again.
  4. Add Cross: Pipe flour paste crosses on top of buns.
  5. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
  6. Glaze and Serve: Brush warm buns with apricot glaze. Cool slightly and enjoy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hot Cross Buns, Easter recipe, Yeast buns, Spiced buns