Description
Traditional Hot Cross Buns: A Timeless Easter Treat with Spiced Perfection. These classic buns feature soft, spiced dough studded with plump raisins and topped with a symbolic cross, perfect for continuing family traditions or starting new ones. Filled with warm cinnamon and nutmeg aromas, they’re ideal for Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour
- 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (120g) raisins or currants
- 1/2 cup (60g) candied citrus peel (optional)
For the crosses:
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 5–6 tbsp water
For the glaze:
- 2 tbsp apricot jam
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices
- Create the dough by adding warm milk, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic
- Let rise in a greased bowl for 1-1.5 hours until doubled
- Punch down dough and knead in raisins and citrus peel
- Divide into 12 pieces and shape into balls on a baking sheet
- Mix flour and water for crosses and pipe onto buns
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until golden
- Brush warm buns with apricot glaze
Notes
- Use bread flour for better structure and chewiness
- Ensure milk is warm (about 110°F/43°C) but not hot
- Don’t skip kneading – it develops gluten for proper texture
- Let shaped buns rise until puffy before baking
- For extra shine, brush with simple syrup after baking
- Store in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: hot cross buns, Easter buns, traditional hot cross buns, spiced buns, Easter baking, Good Friday buns, homemade hot cross buns, British baking, holiday baking