Easy Hot Cross Buns: A Simple and Spiced Easter Treat 🍞 十 ✨

1. Introduction

Hot cross buns are a beloved classic, especially around Easter! This easy hot cross buns recipe is designed to be approachable, even if you’re new to baking. It offers a straightforward path to creating soft, beautifully spiced buns, finished with that iconic cross. Looking for simple hot cross buns to bake with the kids? Or maybe you need a quick hot cross buns recipe for a last-minute spring treat? This guide will walk you through creating delicious, homemade hot cross buns that will impress family and friends. Get ready for the delightful aroma and taste of these traditional buns, fresh from your oven! Before we dive in, If you enjoy baking, why not try these Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies for another delightful baking experience?

2. What Makes This Recipe Special?

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. We’ve streamlined the traditional process without sacrificing flavor or that perfect, soft texture. We prioritize readily available ingredients and clear, easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring that baking easy hot cross buns is accessible to everyone. The result? A batch of truly homemade hot cross buns that are soft, wonderfully fragrant, and perfectly spiced – embodying the comfort and warmth of Easter baking. If you enjoyed baking this, you might also like our other baking recipes!

3. Essential Ingredients

• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 7g sachet of active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, lukewarm
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup raisins or currants
• For the Crosses: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup water
• For the Glaze: 2 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

4. Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Piping bag or Ziploc bag
• Wire rack

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, mixed spice, and cinnamon. Add the yeast and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add the raisins or currants and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This is the first crucial step in creating perfect easy hot cross buns. For those who love trying new twists on baking, consider our carrot cake recipe with a twist for your next baking adventure!

2. Proofing the Dough

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Proper proofing is key to achieving light and airy homemade hot cross buns. This process ensures that your easy hot cross buns recipe results in a soft, delightful texture. Want another recipe idea for Easter? Check out our Easter dirt cake casserole!

3. Shaping and Adding the Crosses

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth bun shape and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To make the crosses, mix the flour and water until a smooth paste forms. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe crosses over the top of each bun. The crosses are not just decorative; they’re a signature element of simple hot cross buns. For a guide on the perfect dough, you might find this helpful resource.

4. Baking and Glazing

Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the milk and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them immediately with the glaze. This glaze gives your quick hot cross buns a beautiful shine and adds a touch of sweetness. Let the homemade hot cross buns cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. If you want to try something different for breakfast, after finish baking try out recipe for cheesy potato egg scramble!

6. Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Buns

• Ensure your milk is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, resulting in a soft and elastic texture.
• Proof the dough in a warm, draft-free environment for optimal rising.
• Don’t overbake the buns; they should be golden brown but still soft to the touch.
• Apply the glaze immediately after baking for the best shine and flavor.

7. Variations and Additions

• Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the dough for a brighter flavor.
• Incorporate chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg.
• Try using dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots instead of raisins.

8. Serving Suggestions

These easy hot cross buns are perfect served warm with a pat of butter. They also pair well with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special treat, try toasting them and spreading with your favorite jam or cream cheese. Or try another recipe like Easy Lemon Poppy Seed!

9. Conclusion

This easy hot cross buns recipe offers a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a traditional Easter treat. With straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients, you can create simple hot cross buns that are sure to impress. Whether you’re after quick hot cross buns for a last-minute bake or want to enjoy the process of creating homemade hot cross buns, this recipe provides a delicious and rewarding baking experience. Enjoy the warm, spiced flavor of these delightful buns with your loved ones! And for more breakfast ideas, explore our breakfast category!

Easy Hot Cross Buns

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• Author: Serena Miller
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 buns 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy this easy hot cross buns recipe, perfect for Easter! Bake soft, spiced, homemade hot cross buns with a simple, straightforward method using readily available ingredients. These quick hot cross buns are a delightful treat for bakers of all levels.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 7g sachet of active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, lukewarm
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup raisins or currants
• For the Crosses: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup water
• For the Glaze: 2 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, mixed spice, and cinnamon. Add the yeast and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add the raisins or currants and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Proofing the Dough: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shaping and Adding the Crosses: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth bun shape and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To make the crosses, mix the flour and water until a smooth paste forms. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe crosses over the top of each bun.
4. Baking and Glazing: Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the milk and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them immediately with the glaze. Let the homemade hot cross buns cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

• Ensure your milk is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, resulting in a soft and elastic texture.
• Proof the dough in a warm, draft-free environment for optimal rising.
• Don’t overbake the buns; they should be golden brown but still soft to the touch.
• Apply the glaze immediately after baking for the best shine and flavor.
• Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the dough for a brighter flavor.
• Incorporate chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg.
• Try using dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots instead of raisins.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bun
• Calories: 220 Kcal
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: hot cross buns, easy hot cross buns, homemade hot cross buns, easter baking, spiced buns, quick hot cross buns, simple hot cross buns, traditional buns, easter recipe