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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Shaping and Adding the Crosses: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°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.
- 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