There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked hot cross buns filling your kitchen. These sweet, spiced buns, studded with dried fruit and marked with a signature cross, are a staple of Easter traditions. Whether you enjoy them toasted with butter or fresh out of the oven, this recipe will guide you to making the perfect batch at home.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500g strong white bread flour
- 75g caster sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 10g salt
- 10g instant yeast
- 300ml whole milk, warmed
- 50g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg, beaten
- 200g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, chopped apricots)
- Zest of 1 orange
For the cross:
- 75g plain flour
- 5 tbsp water
For the glaze:
- 2 tbsp apricot jam, warmed
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, mixed spice, and salt. Add the yeast on the opposite side of the bowl to the salt.
- Pour in the warm milk, followed by the butter and beaten egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the buns – Once risen, tip the dough onto a floured surface and knead in the dried fruit and orange zest. Divide into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls.
- Arrange the buns on a lined baking tray, leaving space between each. Cover again and let rise for another hour.
- Prepare the cross – Mix the flour and water to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Glaze and serve – While the buns are still warm, brush them with warmed apricot jam for a glossy finish.
Enjoy your homemade hot cross buns fresh or toasted with a generous spread of butter! Ours turned out slightly browner than expected but still delicious!
