Are you ready to fill your home with the sweet, spicy aroma of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns? These delightful treats are not just for Easter; they can brighten any day with their warm, comforting flavors. Soft, fluffy, and studded with currants and spices, these buns are a true classic.
Hot Cross Buns are a wonderful combination of sweet dough, fragrant spices, and a sticky glaze that makes them irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a snack, these buns bring a sense of nostalgia and joy to every bite.
Making Hot Cross Buns from scratch is easier than you think! With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a batch that will have your family and friends coming back for more.
The Joy of Baking Hot Cross Buns
There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns wafting through your home. These tasty treats bring warmth and comfort, making any day feel festive. Soft and fluffy, with a delightful combination of spices, they are perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Not only are Hot Cross Buns traditionally enjoyed during Easter, but they can brighten up a normal day as well. The sweet dough paired with fragrant spices creates an irresistible indulgence that satisfies cravings for something sweet and comforting.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The quality of ingredients plays a key role in the overall taste of Hot Cross Buns. Using fresh, high-quality all-purpose flour, sugar, and spices ensures the buns are flavorful and have a lovely texture. The addition of mixed dried fruits, such as raisins and currants, adds bursts of sweetness that complement the spicy notes beautifully.
Don’t forget the apricot jam! It adds a glossy finish that makes these buns even more appealing. This simple yet delightful glaze enhances the overall experience and creates a beautiful presentation when serving.
The Art of Preparing the Dough
Making the dough for Hot Cross Buns is straightforward and rewarding. It all begins by combining the dry ingredients, which includes flour, sugar, and spices, in a large bowl. This mixture forms a flavorful base that will elevate the buns.
Next, the wet ingredients – warm milk, melted butter, and eggs – are blended together before being added to the dry mix. This is where the magic starts to happen, as the dough begins to come together. Kneading the dough is essential, helping to develop its structure and texture.
Shaping and Rising
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to shape those delightful buns. Dividing the dough into equal pieces and forming them into balls is a fun step that gets you closer to that delicious end product. Placing them close together in a baking pan allows the buns to rise beautifully.
Allow the shaped dough to rise until they double in size, which typically takes about 30-45 minutes. This process ensures that the buns will be fluffy and light once baked. A second rise is crucial for the perfect texture, leading to a satisfying bite.
Baking to Golden Perfection
With the oven preheated and the buns ready, it’s time to bake! Watching the buns rise and develop a lovely golden brown color is a joy in itself. The aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone eagerly awaiting the first bite.
Once baked, brushing them with warm apricot jam adds that special touch. This shiny glaze not only enhances the appearance but also adds a subtle sweetness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Serving and Enjoying Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns are best served warm. Cutting them in half reveals their soft, fluffy interior speckled with juicy raisins and a hint of spices. Pair them with a cup of steaming tea for a cozy experience that feels like a warm hug.
Whether you enjoy them plain or with a bit of extra apricot jam on the side, these buns are a delightful treat that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Indulging in a freshly baked Hot Cross Bun is not just about taste; it’s about savoring a moment of bliss.
The Classic Hot Cross Buns Recipe
These Hot Cross Buns are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruits. The cross on top is made of a simple flour paste, adding a delightful touch to these already festive buns.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (currants, raisins, or sultanas)
- 1/4 cup candied orange peel (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon flour (for the cross)
- 1/4 cup apricot jam (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the dried fruits and orange peel, if using, during the last few minutes of kneading.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them close together in a greased baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise again until they have doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
- Make the Cross: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the flour with enough water to make a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped and pipe a cross on each bun.
- Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Glaze: While the buns are baking, heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan until melted. Brush the glaze over the warm buns after they come out of the oven for a shiny finish.
- Serve: Let the buns cool slightly before serving warm, or allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Servings: 12 buns
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
