Description
These Family Favorite Hot Cross Buns are a timeless Easter tradition that brings warmth and joy to every bite. Our easy hot cross buns recipe delivers perfectly spiced, fluffy buns with plump raisins and a signature sweet cross topping. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, these aromatic buns will become your go-to springtime treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour
- 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp mixed spice (or pumpkin pie spice)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup (150g) raisins or mixed dried fruit
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup (60g) butter, melted
For the crosses:
- 1/2 cup (60g) flour
- 5 tbsp water
For the glaze:
- 2 tbsp apricot jam
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add warm milk, beaten egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, knead briefly, then divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into smooth balls and arrange on a lined baking tray.
- Cover the shaped buns and let rise for 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour and water to make a thick paste for the crosses. Pipe crosses onto the buns, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While warm, brush with apricot glaze for shine and extra sweetness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, soak raisins in warm tea or orange juice for 30 minutes before adding to dough
- Test yeast freshness by dissolving in warm milk with a pinch of sugar – it should foam within 10 minutes
- Create a warm rising environment by placing dough in an oven with just the light on
- For shiny buns, brush with glaze immediately after removing from oven
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: hot cross buns, Easter bread, spiced buns, family recipe, homemade bread, Easter tradition, sweet bread, raisin buns