Quick Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Quick Hot Cross Buns Recipe: Warm, Spiced, and Ready in a Snap! 🐰🍞🌟

1. Introduction

Hot cross buns are a beloved Easter tradition, but the thought of spending hours baking can be daunting. That’s where this quick hot cross buns recipe comes in! It’s specially designed for busy individuals who crave those classic, comforting flavors without the long, drawn-out process. Looking for an easy hot cross buns recipe to bake with the kids? Or perhaps a fast hot cross buns solution for a spontaneous brunch? This recipe is your answer. It’s a simple hot cross buns recipe that yields soft, beautifully spiced buns, adorned with the signature cross, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Consider pairing them with some Lemon Poppy Seed for a delightful easter brunch. So, preheat that oven, and let’s embark on a baking adventure to create these irresistible treats!

2. Ingredients Needed

Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its accessibility – you likely already have most of these items in your pantry!

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm milk (110-115°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup raisins or currants
• ¼ cup candied citrus peel, finely chopped (optional)

For the Crosses:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup water

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup apricot jam
• 1 tablespoon water

3. Equipment Required

Having the right equipment on hand will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small saucepan
• Whisk

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing the Dough

Let’s start by creating our aromatic spice blend! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and yeast. Make sure the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the buns. This step is absolutely crucial for a truly delicious and impeccably spiced quick hot cross buns recipe. Once your spices are perfectly mingled, set the mixture aside to allow you to focus on preparing the wet ingredients.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now for the wet ingredients! In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Whisk until everything is beautifully blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix gently until a shaggy dough begins to form. Add the raisins (or currants) and candied citrus peel (if you’re using it) for that classic hot cross bun touch. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it transforms into a smooth and elastic texture. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t worry! Just add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. This ensures your easy hot cross buns have that perfect, soft-yet-chewy texture that everyone loves. Want another easter recipe? Then you should checkout Easter Dirt Cake Casserole

Proofing and Shaping the Buns

Time to let the dough rise! Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. This prevents sticking. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This initial rise is essential for creating those light and airy buns, but remember, we are keeping it fast hot cross buns friendly! Once the dough has gloriously doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth, round ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little bit of space between each bun to allow for even baking. If you want another treat, then you should try our Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies. Or If you want a quick and easy breakfast, then you should check out our breakfast section.

Adding the Crosses and Baking

Get ready to bake! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, it’s time to prepare the signature crosses. In a small bowl, mix the flour and water until you achieve a smooth paste. Place the mixture into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off. Carefully pipe crosses onto the top of each bun, creating that iconic look. For a beautiful golden finish, lightly brush the buns with a beaten egg (this step is optional, but highly recommended!). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The crosses not only give these simple hot cross buns recipe its authentic appearance, but they also add a subtle textural contrast to the soft buns. For another easter recipe, you should check out our Family Favorite Glazed Ham!

5. Making the Glaze

While the buns are baking to golden perfection, let’s prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the apricot jam and water over low heat. Stir continuously until the jam is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Once the buns are fresh out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the warm glaze. This will give them a stunning, glossy shine and add an irresistible touch of extra sweetness. If you’re interested in another dessert, then you should check out our Creamy Mango Pudding!

6. Tips and Variations

Want to customize your hot cross buns? Here are some fun and delicious variations to try:

• Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to perfectly match your personal preference. A pinch of cardamom or ginger can add a unique and exciting flavor twist.
• Fruit Variations: Get creative with the dried fruit! Substitute the traditional raisins or currants with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a truly decadent treat.
• Vegan Option: Make these buns vegan-friendly by substituting the milk with almond or soy milk, and using a vegan butter alternative. Replace the egg with a flax egg (simply mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken).
• Freezing: These buns freeze incredibly well, making them perfect for baking ahead. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven.

For a slightly different hot cross bun recipe, you can check out this recipe.

7. Serving Suggestions

These quick hot cross buns are absolute best when served warm, releasing their fragrant aroma and meltingly soft texture. Enjoy them with a comforting cup of tea or coffee for a classic pairing. They are also incredibly delicious toasted, with a generous spread of butter. For a truly special treat, elevate your hot cross bun experience by serving them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. This transforms them into an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. You can also check out our other easter recipe such as Carrot Cake with a Twist!

8. Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per Bun (without glaze):

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 5g

9. Conclusion

This quick hot cross buns recipe is the ultimate solution for anyone craving the taste of fresh, homemade buns without the all-day commitment. With this easy hot cross buns recipe, you can easily whip up a batch in no time, making it absolutely ideal for an Easter brunch gathering, a cozy and comforting weekend breakfast, or simply a sweet and satisfying treat to enjoy any time of the year. So go ahead, embrace the warm, comforting, and perfectly spiced flavors of these timeless classic buns, and happy baking! You can also check out our other easter recipe such as Carrot Cake for Easter Dinner!

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