Description
Bake classic hot cross buns at home with this easy recipe! These spiced, sweet buns are perfect for Easter, featuring a signature cross and a delicious apricot glaze. Enjoy homemade goodness with our detailed baking guide.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 7g (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk, lukewarm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, candied peel)
For the Crosses:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preparing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Incorporate the mixed dried fruit, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Kneading and Proofing: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. 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.
- Shaping and Scoring: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30-40 minutes. While the buns are proofing, prepare the cross paste by mixing the flour and water until smooth. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or Ziploc bag. Once the buns have proofed, pipe crosses over each bun.
- Baking and Glazing: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan until melted and smooth. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them generously with the apricot glaze while they’re still warm.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
- Ensure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Don’t over-knead the dough, as this can result in tough buns.
- Allow sufficient time for proofing in a warm place.
- Brush the buns with glaze immediately after baking for a glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: hot cross buns, easter buns, spiced buns, homemade bread, baking recipe, traditional hot cross buns