Creamy Hot Cross Buns: A Decadent Easter Treat ✝️🌼😋
1. Introduction
Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with homemade creamy hot cross buns? This recipe elevates the traditional easy hot cross buns with a luscious creamy twist that will have everyone asking for seconds. These aren’t just any hot cross buns; they’re a decadent experience. If you’re looking for the best hot cross buns recipe, you’ve found it. Get ready to bake a batch of irresistibly soft and flavorful buns that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Looking for other Easter baking ideas? Check out this Easter Dirt Cake Casserole for another delightful treat!
2. Understanding the Basics of Hot Cross Buns
Before we dive into the creamy hot cross buns recipe, let’s understand what makes a hot cross bun special. These spiced buns are traditionally marked with a cross on top, symbolizing the crucifixion. The spices, often including cinnamon and nutmeg, add warmth and depth of flavor, while dried fruits provide bursts of sweetness. Our recipe builds upon these classic elements, introducing a creamy component that takes these buns to a whole new level of deliciousness. Intrigued by spiced baked goods? You might also enjoy our Carrot Cake for Easter Dinner!
3. Ingredients for Creamy Hot Cross Buns
To make the best hot cross buns recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, and candied peel)
- For the cross: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup water
- For the creamy glaze: 4 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup powder sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4. Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Creamy Hot Cross Buns
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your homemade hot cross buns turn out perfectly. For more delightful breakfast ideas, be sure to explore our breakfast category.
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk, then add the melted butter and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead in the mixed dried fruits. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. For more baking tips and tricks, check out other recipes in our baking category.
Step 2: Proofing the Dough
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving light and airy easy hot cross buns. The waiting is the hardest part, but trust us, it’s worth it! If you’re looking for a quicker sweet treat, perhaps Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies will satisfy your cravings!
Step 3: Baking the Buns
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a bun and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the flour and water for the cross and pipe it onto the buns. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Want another baking adventure? Why not try this recipe
Step 4: Adding the Creamy Glaze
While the buns are cooling, prepare the creamy glaze. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze is creamy and spreadable. Once the buns have cooled slightly, generously spread the creamy glaze over each one. This is what sets this creamy hot cross buns recipe apart. If you love creamy desserts, you might also enjoy this Creamy Mango Pudding.
5. Tips for the Perfect Creamy Hot Cross Buns
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
- Don’t overheat the milk; it should be warm to the touch, not scalding.
- Kneading the dough properly is key to a soft and chewy texture.
- Ensure the buns are fully cooled before applying the creamy glaze to prevent it from melting.
6. Variations and Additions
Feel free to customize this easy hot cross buns recipe to your liking. Consider adding:
- Chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist
- Orange or lemon zest for a citrusy aroma. For another treat bursting with lemon flavor, explore our Easy Lemon Poppy Seed recipe.
- Different types of dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots
7. Serving Suggestions
These creamy hot cross buns are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:
- A cup of hot tea or coffee
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A side of fresh fruit. For a fruity dessert option, try our frosted red velvet cookies!
8. Storing Your Homemade Hot Cross Buns
Store your homemade hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving. Looking for something else to bake and store? Perhaps our Carrot Cake with a Twist might be up your alley!
9. Conclusion
With this creamy hot cross buns recipe, you’re well on your way to creating a memorable Easter treat. These best hot cross buns recipe are easy to make, and the creamy glaze adds a touch of indulgence that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible buns. Happy baking! And if you are looking for something a bit less traditional, try ourPotato egg scramble.
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Creamy Hot Cross Buns
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your Easter celebration with Creamy Hot Cross Buns! This recipe takes classic hot cross buns to the next level with a luscious creamy glaze. Soft, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious, these homemade buns are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, and candied peel)
- For the cross: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- For the cross: 1/4 cup water
- For the creamy glaze: 4 oz cream cheese
- For the creamy glaze: 1/4 cup heavy cream
- For the creamy glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- For the creamy glaze: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Dissolve yeast in warm milk, then add melted butter and eggs. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead in mixed dried fruits. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Proofing the Dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Baking the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a bun and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the flour and water for the cross and pipe it onto the buns. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Adding the Creamy Glaze: While the buns are cooling, prepare the creamy glaze. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until glaze is creamy and spreadable. Once the buns have cooled slightly, generously spread the creamy glaze over each one.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
- Don’t overheat the milk; it should be warm to the touch, not scalding.
- Kneading the dough properly is key to a soft and chewy texture.
- Ensure the buns are fully cooled before applying the creamy glaze to prevent it from melting.
- Add chocolate chips, orange/lemon zest, or different dried fruits for variations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: creamy hot cross buns, hot cross buns, easy hot cross buns, best hot cross buns recipe, homemade hot cross buns, easter baking, spiced buns, creamy glaze, buns recipe