Description
These Traditional Hot Cross Buns are a classic Easter treat with a spiced, sweet dough studded with raisins and topped with a cross. Perfect for celebrating the holiday or enjoying as a delicious homemade bread any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup raisins or currants
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For the Cross:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons water
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Main Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until combined. Add wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms. Mix in the raisins and orange zest. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, adding more flour as needed until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a ball and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix the flour and water for the cross into a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe a cross over each bun. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, make the glaze by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Brush the glaze over the warm buns as soon as they come out of the oven. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, soak the raisins in orange juice before adding to the dough.
- These are best the day they’re baked but can be reheated gently.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
