Hot Cross Buns Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly classic, comforting treat that’s perfect for springtime or any cozy afternoon, this Hot Cross Buns Recipe is absolutely the one to try. These buns are soft, slightly spiced, and studded with sweet sultanas and candied peel, making each bite a little celebration of flavor and tradition. Whether it’s for Easter or just because you deserve a little indulgence, making these buns from scratch fills your kitchen with warmth and joy that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hot Cross Buns Recipe is in how simple, yet thoughtfully chosen, the ingredients are. Each component plays a crucial role, from the softness of the bread flour to the rich warmth of spices, creating a depth of flavor and inviting aroma that beckons you to your oven.

• 220 ml Milk: Provides moisture and helps to activate the yeast for a perfect rise.
• 50 g Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb to the buns.
• 450 g Strong white bread flour: Gives the buns structure and a chewy texture.
• 1 tsp Fine salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 3 tsp Mixed spice: Infuses the dough with that classic, warm aroma traditional to hot cross buns.
• 2 tsp Cinnamon: Brings an extra layer of comforting spice.
• 45 g Caster sugar: Sweetens just enough without overpowering.
• 60 g Candied peel: Adds colorful bursts of citrusy sweetness.
• 80 g Sultanas: Juicy, sweet bites that complement the spices beautifully.
• 1 Egg (Beaten): Binds ingredients together and enriches the dough.
• 2 tbsp Milk: Used twice—for brushing the buns before baking to keep them soft.
• 50 g Plain flour: Mixed with water to create the paste for the signature crosses.
• 2 tbsp Apricot jam: Glazed on top after baking for a shiny, sweet finish.

How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Milk and Butter Mixture

Begin by gently heating the milk until it’s hot but not boiling. Stir in the butter and set the mixture aside. This step is essential because the butter melts slowly, infusing the milk with richness and cooling it to the perfect temperature for yeast activation.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

While the milk and butter cool, combine the flour, salt, mixed spice, cinnamon, and sugar in a large bowl. This blend of spices is what gives these hot cross buns their unforgettable flavor.

Step 3: Add Candied Peel and Sultanas

Stir the candied peel and sultanas into the dry mix. This is where those delightful bursts of sweetness and texture are layered into each bun.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

When the milk and butter mixture is lukewarm, pour it into the flour mixture and add the beaten egg. This step binds everything together and starts forming your dough.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Turn the sticky mixture onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a springy dough that’s smooth and elastic—this helps ensure your buns will rise beautifully.

Step 6: First Rise

Place the dough into a clean, oiled bowl and cover it with oiled cling film. Leave it in a warm spot for about 2 hours until it has doubled in size. This patient rise builds flavor and lightness.

Step 7: Shape the Buns

Once risen, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a tight ball by stretching the edges downward, which creates a smooth surface perfect for even rising and that lovely bakery finish.

Step 8: Second Rise

Arrange the buns on an oiled baking tray, cover again with oiled cling film, and let them rise for a further 45 minutes. This final rise gives you that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 9: Prepare the Oven and Buns

Preheat your oven to 180°C fan (200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6). Gently brush the tops of the buns with milk to keep the crust soft and help them brown beautifully.

Step 10: Pipe the Crosses

Mix plain flour with just enough water to form a soft paste. Transfer this to a piping bag or a sandwich bag with a small cut at the tip and carefully pipe crosses onto each bun. This iconic detail is the signature look of your Hot Cross Buns Recipe.

Step 11: Bake Until Golden

Bake the buns for 15 to 20 minutes until they reach a gorgeous dark golden color and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 12: Glaze and Finish

Right after removing the buns from the oven, brush them with warmed apricot jam. This gives a shiny glaze that looks as good as it tastes and helps keep them wonderfully moist.

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Garnishes

While these buns are delicious on their own, a light spread of butter or a smear of cream cheese can elevate them further, adding creaminess that melts into their spiced sweetness.

Side Dishes

Hot cross buns pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of homemade custard to balance the spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the buns in half and toasting them lightly for a crispy edge, then topping with your favorite preserves or even a scoop of clotted cream. They also make excellent sweet sliders for a brunch spread when stuffed with banana slices and honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Hot Cross Buns Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy without losing their freshness.

Freezing

Buns freeze beautifully. Wrap each bun individually in cling film and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making them great for pulling out whenever a sweet snack craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, defrost the buns at room temperature, then warm them in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for around 15 seconds will bring back their soft, fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use dried yeast instead of fresh yeast?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses fresh yeast for a traditional approach, dried yeast can be used as an alternative. Just make sure to activate it in the milk first and adjust quantities as per the package instructions.

How long will the buns stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, fresh hot cross buns will stay soft and delicious for about 2 days. To enjoy them longer, freezing is your best option.

Can I substitute sultanas for other dried fruits?

Yes, feel free to experiment with raisins, currants, or even dried cranberries. Each will bring its own unique flavor twist while maintaining the essence of the buns.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

The two rises are key to achieving that light, fluffy texture and rich flavor. The first rise develops the dough, while the second shapes and refines the buns for the perfect bake.

Can I make the crosses with icing instead of the flour paste?

You can pipe icing crosses after baking to recreate the look, but traditionalists prefer the flour paste crosses piped before baking for that authentic taste and texture signature to hot cross buns.

Final Thoughts

Making this Hot Cross Buns Recipe from scratch is like giving yourself a warm hug that lasts all day. The process is wonderfully rewarding, and the result is a batch of delights that can turn any ordinary day into something a bit special. I promise, once you’ve experienced the soft crumb, gentle spices, and sweet bursts of fruit, you’ll want to make these time and time again.

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