Description
Traditional Hot Cross Buns are soft, pillowy rolls infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and studded with plump raisins and currants. The sweet glaze on top adds a delightful shine, while the cross made of icing provides a perfect contrast to the rich, spiced flavor of the buns.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 1/4 cup candied orange peel, chopped
- For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and fold in the dried fruits and candied orange peel.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Place them on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each bun.
- Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While the buns cool, mix powdered sugar with milk to create a smooth icing. Drizzle over the cooled buns to form crosses.
Notes
- Make-ahead: The dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated after the first rise. Bring to room temperature before shaping.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Substitutions: Use almond milk for a dairy-free version or swap dried fruits for chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: breads
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 150 milligrams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 30 milligrams
Keywords: Traditional Hot Cross Buns, Easter Buns, Spiced Buns, Sweet Buns, Yeast Rolls, British Baking, Holiday Treats, Homemade Buns, Soft Buns, Fruity Buns, Warm Breads, Comfort Food, Baking Recipes, Festive Breads